Bayer Extends Kane’s Trophyless Curse: Neuer Sets Him Up

Joking about Harry Kane’s curse has almost become awkward by now. Fortunately, the German Cup Round of 16 match between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen provided a couple of fresh storylines. For instance, Manuel Neuer’s red card.

From the opening whistle, Neuer, true to form, set out to meet adventure — leaving his penalty area, as he often does. But his exploits came crashing down after just 17 minutes when the 38-year-old veteran collided shoulder-first into Jeremie Frimpong. The result? His first-ever red card in a career spanning 18 years and 800 matches.

Even without Neuer and the injured Harry Kane, Bayern held their own against Bayer. However, the game was decided by Nathan Tella, who scored the lone goal at the Allianz Arena off a cross from Alex Grimaldo.

Leverkusen extended their unbeaten streak against Bayern to five matches and advanced to the quarterfinals as the tournament’s top favorite. Their only serious competition now comes from Stuttgart and whichever team prevails in the Leipzig vs. Eintracht Frankfurt clash.

Xabi Alonso is navigating the inevitable second-season syndrome remarkably well. By December, his Bundesliga team had already dropped more points than they did in all of last season, and they’ve even suffered a defeat. But third place is an excellent result, especially since only the most naive fans expected another fairy-tale run. The Champions League campaign is also promising — they currently sit in sixth place. While upcoming battles with Inter and Atletico Madrid will be challenging, a spot in the top 16 seems secure.

Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, remains an enigma. Given their upcoming opponents, they’re almost sure to make the Champions League quarterfinals. Still, they’ve yet to inspire confidence among fans or strike fear into rivals. Adding to their woes is another German Cup elimination — the fifth year in a row.

And as for Harry Kane — just a few words. Over the past year and a half, he’s been dissected enough. Still, here’s a thought: wouldn’t it be poetic if Kane finished his career without a single trophy? Sure, Bayern fans won’t love the idea, but it would make for a unique career. As it stands, Kane’s Munich record is perfect — five out of five missed titles.

Published by Patrick Jane
04.12.2024