Nathan Tella’s aim within the 69th minute was sufficient to ship Bayer Leverkusen via to the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal, as they defeated Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich 1-0 on the Allianz Area.
The victory got here in a dramatic sport that noticed Bayern lowered to 10 males early on, following a pink card for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Regardless of the numerical benefit, Leverkusen needed to wait till Tella’s well timed strike to safe the win.
Early Drama as Bayern Munich’s Neuer Sees Crimson
The match took an sudden flip within the seventeenth minute when veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was despatched off for a reckless problem.
As Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong raced towards the Bayern aim, Neuer rushed out and collided with the Dutch full-back, incomes himself a straight pink card.
With the hosts all the way down to 10 males, Bayern supervisor Vincent Kompany was compelled to make an early substitution, bringing on backup goalkeeper Daniel Peretz rather than Leroy Sané.
Regardless of the numerical drawback, Bayern Munich had a stable begin to the sport. They have been within the ascendancy early, with Leverkusen coming near breaking the impasse within the eleventh minute.
Florian Wirtz intercepted a poor move from Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano and fired a shot from the sting of the field, however the ball sailed large of the goal.
Bayern’s first actual likelihood got here on the half-hour mark when Konrad Laimer made a harmful run into the field following a fast one-two with Jamal Musiala.
Nevertheless, Laimer’s shot hit the facet netting. Then, on the stroke of halftime, Bayern’s Leon Goretzka had a header from Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick saved by Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar, maintaining the rating stage.
Tella’s Objective Sends Leverkusen Via
Within the second half, the sport remained cagey, with Bayern cautious as they tried to regulate to enjoying with 10 males. The breakthrough for Leverkusen got here within the 69th minute.
Alejandro Grimaldo delivered an ideal cross into the field, which was met by Nathan Tella, who made a intelligent first-time header that flew previous substitute goalkeeper Peretz to provide Leverkusen the lead.
Tella’s aim was a product of the tactical directions he obtained from supervisor Xabi Alonso, who had introduced him on in its place simply after the hour mark.
Reflecting on the aim, Tella shared his ideas within the post-match convention:
“It was an amazing cross from [Alejandro] Grimaldo – and I’m proud of my aim. However it’s extra essential that the group received. We performed effectively,” mentioned Tella.
“The coach wished me to make runs in behind – and at this time I had the prospect and scored.”
With the sport nearing its conclusion, Kompany threw on Serge Gnabry and Mathys Tel in an try to bolster Bayern’s attacking choices.
Regardless of their efforts, Leverkusen held agency, and it was Xabi Alonso’s facet who emerged victorious, securing their place within the quarter-finals.
A Trophy That Continues to Elude Harry Kane
For Bayern Munich, the defeat marked one other trophy that slipped via the fingers of their star signing, Harry Kane, who was sidelined with a thigh damage.
The England striker’s absence left a big hole in Bayern’s attacking line, and regardless of some promising moments, they have been unable to transform any of their possibilities.
Kane’s frustration was evident as he watched from the sidelines, and the loss meant that the striker’s look ahead to his first German Cup title continues. It was a bitter blow for Bayern, who haven’t received the DFB-Pokal since 2020.
Tella’s Rising Nationwide Staff Aspirations
Earlier than the match, Nathan Tella additionally spoke about his ongoing ambitions with each Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigerian nationwide group.
Six months after his final look for Nigeria, the 25-year-old revealed that he was longing for a return to worldwide responsibility, however acknowledged that his focus should stay on performing effectively at membership stage.
“It’s an honour to signify your nation, however I’ve to play right here extra to get the popularity to play with the nation,” Tella mentioned in a current interview.
“I believe it’s all about child steps, preserve getting higher, preserve bettering and if I proceed to do the best issues, I hope Nigeria will name me again.”
“Yeah, after all, I’m an attacker. I all the time wish to rating, and be part of the objectives for the group, however I’ve had a little bit of problem this season. Within the final two video games, I believe we’ve proven character and I hope it continues like this.”
Tella’s aim towards Bayern was his first of the season for Leverkusen, having beforehand registered two assists in 14 appearances throughout all competitions.
