Bayern Munich entered the 2023/2024 DFB-Pokal with high hopes of making a deep run, aiming for their first significant cup victory since winning the tournament in the 2019/2020 season. Back then, Bayern triumphed 4-2 over Bayer Leverkusen in the final, but this time around, it was Leverkusen who had the last laugh. The two teams met in the Round of 16 at the Allianz Arena, where Leverkusen emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, eliminating Bayern from the competition.
Despite the defeat, Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich expressed his belief that his team deserved better, even though they were reduced to 10 men following a red card to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 17th minute. Kimmich, speaking after the match, said, “The better team doesn’t always win. Anyone who watched the game has to have sympathy for us and the way we played today.” He went on to praise his team’s effort, stating, “Considering the opponent, today was our best performance of the season. The first title is gone, which hurts and is annoying. When I look at the results in the top games, it’s sobering. But I still think we are on the right path.”
Kimmich’s assessment holds some weight, as Bayern dominated possession throughout the match and outshot Leverkusen, despite being a man down for most of the game. However, as Kimmich noted, possession is ineffective if it doesn’t lead to quality scoring chances, and Bayern struggled to convert those opportunities into goals. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, made the most of their chances and held on for a well-earned win.
While this loss was a bitter blow for Bayern, it could serve as a turning point for their growth and improvement. As history has shown, tough defeats often motivate teams to rebound stronger, and Bayern will be hoping that this setback sparks their progress in future competitions.
