Neuer is sent off for the first time and Bayern leaves the DFB Cup

Bayern Munich’s DFB Cup title hopes ended on Tuesday when they were eliminated at home in the third round by defending champions Bayer Leverkusen after legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was shown a controversial red card.

The 38-year-old Neuer had never been sent off in his long career, including 124 games for Germany, but the Bayern captain was shown a straight red card in the 17th minute for knocking out Jeremie Frimpong with a body check.

Despite protests from Bayern players, the decision stood, leaving Bayern a man behind for much of the game.

Leverkusen, led by former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso, took advantage of Bayern’s numerical disadvantage. Nathan Tella scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute when he headed in Álex Grimaldo’s cross, sending his team into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win.

Bayern, playing without the injured Harry Kane, suffered their first league and domestic cup defeats of the season.

“The fact is that we have lost this season and will not win the cup. But we know from experience that this was also a special achievement for us,” said Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany.

In his debut season as Bayern coach, Kompany experienced his team’s first defeat of the season outside of the Champions League.

“It’s bitter for us. We won’t have a good evening,” Kompany added. “But if this energy continues, we will win many more games. This team can continue to grow and we will have our moments.”

Since taking over as Leverkusen coach, Alonso has never lost in five games against his former club.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.