Match Awards from Bayern Munich's dismal DFB-Pokal night vs ...

Jersey Swap: Jonathan Tah

Tah was an imposing and imperious presence at the back for Leverkusen. With Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann — and maybe the Bayern Munich scouts — watching, Tah turned in a rock-solid performance, and he needed to. Bayern easily could have gotten on the scoreboard without his interventions, including on Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry in moments of real danger in the second half. Tah had every right to pump his chest and celebrate after every one of his stops.

Long balls to test the spaces Bayern left behind were also a key part of the Leverkusen game plan, and Tah’s distribution stats — 10 long passes attempted, seven completed, per sofascore — stood out as well.

And yes. He made that pass. The one that led to this:

Photo by MICHAELA STACHE/AFP via Getty Images Der Kaiser: Daniel Peretz

Peretz probably was not expecting to play today. Manuel Neuer, who had never been sent off in his entire career, had a moment of real madness in just the 17th minute — and the young Israeli keeper was thrust into action.

Peretz was tested early by an aggressive Leverkusen press — and again by several moments where Die Werkself managed to get in behind the Bayern lines. Peretz stood up to the task, staying composed, making saves, and keeping his team in the game. His 32nd minute save on Jeremie Frimpong from close range showed his calm in a dire situation, and so did his second half long boot towards Serge Gnabry — made under duress — flashed his abilities in distribution, even if he is not by any stretch the OG sweeper-keeper GOAT.

Does Bayern have something here? Well, Neuer is only suspended for the Pokal, which Bayern is now out of. But this was a nice showing for the backup keeper, who needs a lot more seasoning to take his next steps. Can Bayern get any loan interest in January?

Fußballgott: Konrad Laimer

What a beast. Laimer has a motor that don’t quit and Bayern needed all of that, especially after Manuel Neuer got himself sent off.

Laimer had the battle of the night against Leverkusen speedster Jeremie Frimpong, whom Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso shifted from the right to the left flank early in the match to try to exploit him. But the Austrian more than held his own in what quickly became a very physical contest.

Going forward, Laimer was everywhere. Getting high up the pitch, playing teammates in behind, running into the box. The man was indefatigable, and his presence all over the pitch earns him a spot in the midfield awards. Two-way everything player today.

Honorable mention: Aleksandar Pavlović. The youngster was subbed on at the 73rd minute mark, not really enough time to influence the game. But you could see the difference a second crisp distributor makes once he got on the ball. More of this soon, please!

Der Bomber: Jamal Musiala

Bayern’s dynamo could not get on the scoresheet today but it was not for lack of trying. Musiala started the game having to wear multiple hats — attacking midfielder, second striker behind Michael Olise’s false nine, second No. 6 when he had to drop deep to assist build-up. That only compounded once Bayern went down to ten men, and Musiala did it all. Dribbling, driving, threading passes...unfortunately, with no glory to show for it.

Still, Musiala registered three key passes and was constantly fouled. His energy and drive were key to Bayern maintaining their momentum going forward even with a numerical disadvantage.

Coman was a good presence on that left flank. But the man needs to stop crossing to the moon.

Meister of the Match: Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich did his job, as he can always be counted on to do. The Bayern metronome, Kimmich’s role coordinating and quarterbacking the Bayern build-up became even more important once Neuer was out. Fortunately for Bayern, he did it exceptionally well and in the rare moments of lapses, he made up for it — a last-ditch intervention on Florian Wirtz sparing Bayern a second concession in the closing minutes.

As the set piece taker, he also delivered more than a few decent chances for the Bavarians, particularly in the first half. A pity that none of them came to anything, but the Bayern captain did everything to keep his team in the game.

Who else deserves a shout? Let us know in the comments below!