Manuel Neuer gets first-ever red card in shocking German Cup exit

In Germany, during a German Cup match on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Bayern Munich faced Bayer Leverkusen and suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat, resulting in their early exit from the tournament. Captain Manuel Neuer, known for his solid career without previous red cards, experienced an unexpected moment of recklessness, receiving a straight red card in the 17th minute after fouling Jeremie Frimpong. This occurrence was particularly shocking given Neuer's extensive experience, having made over 867 appearances for his club and national team without ever being sent off. The incident had significant implications for the game, as Bayern was already without injured star striker Harry Kane, which compromised their ability to compete effectively. Despite a spirited first-half performance from Bayern, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals, and Bayer Leverkusen capitalized on Neuer's absence and their patience in the game, with Nathan Tella scoring the winner shortly after Neuer’s dismissal. Bayern's exit from the cup came as a blow, as they were also trying to recover from a previous loss to Bayer Leverkusen in their last domestic matchup. The team had been showing strong form in the Bundesliga, but the emotional impact of the cup defeat weighed heavily on the players and coaching staff, with midfielder Joshua Kimmich expressing disappointment over losing the first title of the season. This loss is likely to fuel discussions on the team's need to better handle key moments and maintain discipline during critical matches.