Bundesliga: Jackson, Diaz sent off in frantic Bayern draw vs Leverkusen
Bayern Munich were reduced to nine men as Nicolas Jackson and Luis Diaz were both sent off during a heated 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena.
The intense clash saw both sides share the points after a dramatic contest marked by VAR interventions, disciplinary decisions and late drama in the Bundesliga.
Jackson dismissed after VAR review
Leverkusen took an early lead in the sixth minute when Luis Diaz lost possession to Montrell Culbreath, who fed Patrik Schick. The striker quickly released Aleix Garcia, whose effort deflected past Sven Ulreich to give the hosts the advantage.
Despite dominating possession, Bayern struggled to create clear chances against Leverkusen’s defence.
The game’s first major flashpoint arrived in the 41st minute when Jackson challenged Martin Terrier in the centre circle.
The forward was initially shown a yellow card, but the decision was upgraded to a straight red following a VAR review that revealed a heavy stamp on Terrier’s ankle.
The dismissal forced Bayern, managed by Vincent Kompany, to continue the match with ten men while trailing.
Diaz equalises but also sees red
Bayern thought they had equalised earlier when Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick was flicked on by Ernest Poku and rebounded into the net after striking Jonathan Tah’s arm.
However, referee Christian Dingert reviewed the incident with VAR and ruled the goal out for handball.
Leverkusen maintained control until the second half, although Bayern nearly levelled shortly after the hour mark when substitute Harry Kane had a goal disallowed.
Diaz eventually found the equaliser for Bayern, bringing the visitors back into the match despite their numerical disadvantage.
But the Colombian’s evening ended in controversy when he was shown a second yellow card for diving in the 84th minute, reducing Bayern to nine players.
Leverkusen thought they had snatched a late winner, only for VAR to rule it out, leaving both sides to settle for a point at full time.