Neuer's red card 'hurts' as injured Kane misses side's DFB Cup defeat

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is questioning his first career red card after the German leaders fell to their first home defeat of the season at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the DFB Cup.

Captain Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute at the Allianz Arena after coming out of his penalty area and bringing down Jeremy Frimpong.

“The sending off hurts, of course,” Neuer told Sky Kickerhaving seen red for the first time in 864 club and international matches.

“It's not really an active situation where I'm trying to hurt him.” But the thing is, I don't really touch the ball. He runs into me… but after I miss the ball, (the challenge is) OK for me. In the end, you are powerless and must accept what is decided.”

Manuel Neuer is off! 🥇

The Bayern goalkeeper came out of his penalty area and hit Jeremy Frimpong 😱 pic.twitter.com/EBzdZV4WUy

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024

New “too deep” – Nagelsmann

Bayern sacrificed striker Leroy Sane to bring in Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after losing Rotten and Germany legend Neuer.

Julian Nagelsmann felt Neuer's punishment was justified. “It's always difficult for a goalkeeper,” the German coach told ARD.

Christmas came early! 😏🎄 pic.twitter.com/XHvj7rWpe2

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 3, 2024

“He starts from a position that is a little too deep – if he stays deep, he can have a brutal one-on-one, which is also not pleasant.

“Ultimately, it's always a decision made by millimeters.” Controlling space is Manu's great strength; in this case, it might have been better to wait. But hindsight is always 20/20.”

🗣️ Xabi after tonight's victory at the Pokal in Munich! #FCBB04 #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/kvH00243Q8

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 3, 2024

Harry Kane injury

Vincent Kompany's side were already without 20-goal top scorer Harry Kane with a hamstring injury but had more possession and tries en route to elimination thanks to Nathan Tella's header.

Midfielder Tella, who scored 19 goals for Championship side Burnley under Kompany in 2022/23, converted from Grimaldo's delivery as Leverkusen sought a measure of revenge over Bayern for the opening 12 league games.

Defending champions Leverkusen remained unbeaten in Germany last season but are seven points behind Bayern and three behind second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayern return to Bundesliga action at home to third-placed Heidenheim on Saturday (2.30pm GMT), when Leverkusen also host fourth-bottom St. Pauli.