BERLIN, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nathan Tella's single goal was enough to give Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 victory over a 10-man Bayern Munich in the German Cup round of 16 on Tuesday.
Bayer Leverkusen, the double domestic champion, started confidently away from home, with the first notable opportunity coming in the 11th minute when Florian Wirtz unleashed a dangerous shot from a central position.
Although Bayern initially controlled possession, the match took a drastic turn in the 17th minute. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer received a straight red card for a foul on Jeremie Frimpong, leading to substitute goalkeeper Daniel Peretz replacing Leroy Sane.
The Werkself began to dominate but failed to extend their lead as Frimpong could not beat Peretz following a precise through ball from Wirtz in the 30th minute.
Bayern continued to press forward, with Kingsley Coman missing an opportunity as he headed wide from close range four minutes later.
As the match progressed, Bayern began to regain control and created several chances. Leon Goretzka tested goalkeeper Matej Kovar, while Konrad Laimer saw his shot blocked by Granit Xhaka just before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Wirtz nearly added another for Leverkusen with a low shot that went just wide of the left post in the 51st minute.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Bayern continued to dominate possession, although they lacked the creativity needed to breach Leverkusen's well-organized defense.
Leverkusen finally made their numerical advantage count in the 69th minute, when Tella headed home Alejandro Grimaldo's pinpoint cross at the far post. This came just eight minutes after Tella had entered the game as a substitute.
Bayern struggled to make a significant impact on Kovar's goal. Dayot Upamecano headed over from a corner, while both Mathys Tel and Michael Olise fired shots from a distance in the closing stages.
Despite late pressure from Vincent Kompany's side, they were unable to prevent their elimination from the competition.
"It is bitter. The red card has a natural effect on the game. The boys played well anyway. Leverkusen played a good cross into the box and had the first real chance to score. But unfortunately, there's nothing to talk about. We lost and are out of the competition," said Bayern coach Kompany.
Elsewhere, third-division Arminia Bielefeld continued their impressive run, defeating higher-tier opponents Freiburg 3-1. Stuttgart booked their place in the quarterfinals by knocking out second-division Jahn Regensburg, while Werder Bremen beat Darmstadt 1-0. Enditem
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