Manuel Neuer saw the red card early on.
IMAGO/DeFodi images

Because he supported his front men well in front of his own goal in the style of an eleventh field player and knew how to prevent opposing counterattacks, often riskily but usually fairly through good anticipation, Manuel Neuer earned the image of a “revolutionary” who embodied the “modern goalkeeping game”. no second. Meanwhile, the record-breaking national goalkeeper’s well-known “excursions” have become rarer.

On Tuesday evening, the 38-year-old rushed out of his goal to clear the ball in front of the lightning-fast Leverkusen Jeremie Frimpong. Prevent counterattacks before they become dangerous. But this time the Munich goalkeeper came too late, cleared the Dutchman – and was shown a red card by referee Harm Osmers after just 17 minutes.

Early in the cup clash between the record cup winner and the reigning title holder, Neuer weakened his team – for the first time in his career. In his previous 740 (!) competitive games in club football and 124 appearances for the DFB team, Neuer was never sent off.

For Nagelsmann the penalty is “undisputed”

“It’s always difficult for a goalkeeper,” said national coach Julian Nagelsmann in the ARD to the scene of Neuer resigning from the national team. “He’s starting a bit too low – if he stays low he might have a brutal one-on-one, which isn’t pleasant either. But Konrad Laimer is still relatively good in duels.” Ultimately, it was “always a millimeter decision,” said Nagelsmann and called the expulsion “undisputed. Command of space is Manu’s greatest strength, in which case it might have been better to wait. But you’re always smarter in hindsight.”

In order to replace Neuer, Leroy Sané had to leave early. The actual number three, Daniel Peretz, came into the party for him. The 24-year-old is between the posts for the first time this season. The Israeli has only made two appearances for FCB since his move in the summer of 2023.

The last FC Bayern goalkeeper to be sent off was José “Pepe” Reina. The Spaniard also left the field early on matchday 32 of the 2014/15 season against FC Augsburg. After just 13 minutes, Reina was given a shower. The Swabians ultimately won 1-0 in Munich.