Bayern Munich have been absent from the DFB Pokal since the 2019/20 season when they beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 but on Tuesday night Xabi Alonso’s side exacted revenge, dumping the Rekordmeister out of the competition following their 1-0 win at Allianz Arena with Nathan Tella’s goal proving the difference.
Speaking following their elimination, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl commented on the player’s morale: “It really hurts – everyone is sitting in the dressing room feeling dejected.
“This is the cup, you’re either out or you move on. And we’re out.”
Manuel Neuer’s 17th minute red card made it difficult for Bayern Munich who kept Leverkusen at bay for the most part, that was until Tella put the visitors in the lead.
The win sends Leverkusen through to the quarter-finals while Bayern are eliminated once again meaning they have not been in the final of the DFB Pokal since 2020, when they beat Leverkusen.
