Bayer Leverkusen player, Nathan Tella scored as brilliant header in the 69th minute to hand give his team a crucial 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the German Cup, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
The match was shaped by an early setback for Bayern when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong, leaving the hosts to play with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Despite the numerical advantage, Leverkusen struggled to break down Bayern’s defense until Tella latched onto a pinpoint cross from Alex Grimaldo.
The ball flew past substitute keeper Daniel Peretz to give the visitors the lead. Bayern had their opportunities, with defender Dayot Upamecano’s header narrowly missing, and Kingsley Coman and Kim Min-jae also failing to convert chances before halftime.
Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, extended his unbeaten run in the competition, marking his eighth consecutive victory in the German Cup, while Bayern’s trophy drought continued, having not lifted the trophy since 2020