<p>The Nigerian forward, who has endured a stop-start campaign due to injuries, was handed a starting berth for the crucial semi-final clash. </p>
<p>However, he was withdrawn in the second half after playing 77 minutes as Bayern shored up defensively after going two goals up, thanks to Harry Kane and ex-Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”4241″ height=”2863″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/3pj32crRu6ojy0hBLjnpghiCcN8=/4241×2863/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076505109.jpg” alt=”Jonathan Tah and Joshua Kimmich Bayern München” class=”wp-image-912844″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Jonathan Tah und Joshua Kimmich Bayern München. Copyright: Imago</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Tella bemoans Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal loss to Bayern Munich</h2>
<p><em>Die Werkself</em> were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal, and can only hope for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.</p>
<p>Their only chance of silverware was the DFB Pokal, but they warmed up very slowly at the Bay Arena last night.</p>
<p>Tella mustered Leverkusen’s first attempt on target, but his chance was comfortably palmed away by Manuel Neuer, who’s rolling back the years at 40.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”7216″ height=”4974″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/KVx63bpGZ9V_C5ZCvMnBrXIMReg=/7216×4974/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076504915.jpg” alt=”Manuel Neuer Bayern München” class=”wp-image-912841″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Manuel Neuer Bayern München. Copyright: Imago</figcaption></figure>
<p>Speaking after the encounter, Tella did not shy away from acknowledging the size of the challenge his side faced.</p>
<blockquote class=”wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow”>
<p>“We know we played against maybe the best team in the world,” the former Southampton man said in an interview with <a href=”https://www.kicker.de/tella-zollt-der-vielleicht-besten-mannschaft-der-welt-respekt-1212814/video” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Kicker</a>.</p>
<p>“As a team, we had the opportunity to get into the final, we wanted to do that and I think the first half we, started a bit slow.</p>
<p>“In the second half we had better performances and created more chances and ultimately it wasn’t enough today.</p>
<p>“It is disappointing that we were unable to do it [get to the DFB Pokal final]. But, we still have games in the league to push as high possible as we can and that’s where the focus now.</p>
<p>“It is still our goal to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. We want to play in the best competition in the world and play against the best teams in the world,” he said. </p>
<p>“It is down to us, we have to win these games and we have got the perfect opportunity on Saturday,” Nathan Tella concluded.</p>
</blockquote>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full”><img decoding=”async” width=”3795″ height=”2560″ src=”https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-ng/thumbor/eG_vKWUEpSsrV4JE13URPESKbJU=/3795×2560/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-ng%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1076504891.jpg” alt=”Nathan Tella Bayer Leverkusen” class=”wp-image-912840″/><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Nathan Tella Bayer Leverkusen. Copyright: Imago</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bayern Munich will play against either VfB Stuttgart or SC Freiburg in the DFB Pokal final on the 23rd of May.</p>
