Neuer accepts blame as Bayern exit cup to Leverkusen

Manuel Neuer accepts he made a costly mistake after being sent off as Bayern Munich exited the DFB-Pokal at the last-16 stage with a 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

The experienced goalkeeper was shown a straight red card in the 17th minute with the game goalless for fouling Jeremie Frimpong outside his box.

It marked the first time Neuer has been dismissed in his illustrious career and Leverkusen took full advantage thanks to Nathan Tella's 69th-minute winner.

Speaking after Tuesday's contest at the Allianz Arena, Neuer said: "I tried to get to the ball but didn't get there in time.

"I was hoping he would be in an offside position. I can't change it now. It was a mistake and I have to accept it."

Bayern have won the competition a record 20 times but have failed to get past the quarter-final stage since they last lifted the cup in 2020.

The Bavarians are four points clear at the top of Bundesliga and are 13th in the Champions League group phase in Vincent Kompany's first season in charge.

The Cross. The Header. The silencing of the crowd pic.twitter.com/XjSFurASFr

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 4, 2024

Despite the loss, which came in the absence of injured top scorer Harry Kane, head coach Kompany remains upbeat for the remainder of the season.

"The fact is we lost and we won't win the cup this season," he said. "But with experience we know this was also a special performance from us.

"If this feeling remains we will win many games but this cup we cannot win it any more.

"It is bitter for us. We won't have a good evening. But if this energy remains then we will win many more games. This team can grow further and we will get our moments."