Wed Dec 04 13:03:26 UTC 2024: **Bayern Munich Stunned by Leverkusen in German Cup Upset**

MUNICH, Germany (AP) — In a shocking upset, defending champion Bayer Leverkusen defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in the third round of the German Cup on Tuesday. The match saw Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer receive a straight red card for a foul on Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong in the 17th minute, marking the first red card of Neuer’s extensive career.

Despite the early sending-off, Bayern, missing injured captain Harry Kane (right hamstring injury), created several chances in the first half. However, Leverkusen’s patience paid off. After Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick was forced off with a calf injury, substitute Nathan Tella scored the winning goal in the 69th minute with a header from Álex Grimaldo’s cross.

“The first title of the season is gone, and that hurts,” said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich after the defeat. Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, a former Bayern player, remains undefeated in five matches against his former club.

The loss marks a significant setback for Bayern, who were eliminated in the second round last season. Other notable results from the German Cup’s third round include Werder Bremen’s 1-0 victory over Darmstadt, Freiburg’s 3-1 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld, and Stuttgart’s 3-0 win against Jahn Regensburg.

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