Liverpool player ratings and analysis vs Bayern: Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane immense in Munich

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David Lynch13 March 2019

As the Bayern Munich fans streamed out of the Allianz Arena following Liverpool’s third goal, they didn’t even look surprised.

The German champions’ safety-first first-leg approach had already proved it: everybody knows how good Jurgen Klopp’s team are.

Of course, it was about time they proved it away from home in Europe this season, but what better time to do so?

The Reds didn’t just beat Bayern here, they outclassed them.

And that doesn’t bode well for their opponents in a quarter-final draw that has opened up following exits for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Player ratings  

How did Liverpool fare vs Bayern?  


Alisson: 6

Alexander-Arnold: 6

Van Dijk: 8

Matip: 8

Robertson: 6

Wijnaldum: 6

Henderson: N/A

Milner: 7

Mane: 8

Salah: 7

Firmino: 

Subs

Fabinho: 6

Origi: 6

Lallana: 6

Big win could get Reds’ campaign going

EPA

At times this season, Liverpool’s Champions League campaign has felt like nothing but a distraction from the quest for a first league title in 29 years.

Poor results and even worse performances on the road in this competition certainly didn’t help to detract from that narrative, either.

But Klopp’s team reached last year’s final for a reason - they are an elite European team who deserve to be feared by any team with designs on winning this trophy.

Perhaps thanks to this convincing win in Munich, there will be more buy in from fans and players alike for this season’s continental conquest.

Mane brings domestic form to Europe

REUTERS

Prior to this game, Mane possessed an uncharacteristically poor record of just one Champions League goal in seven appearances this season.

But, with the Senegalese having travelled to Munich off the back of a run of eight goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions, it was no surprise to see him bring his form to the European stage here.

His opening goal was a thing of beauty; a first touch to die for and then a typically graceful swivel of the hips left Manuel Neuer and his defence completely bamboozled.

And the second was a brilliantly predatory back-post built on a centre-forward’s nose for space in the area.

As a result, there will be opportunities for Mane to make further contributions in Europe this term.

About time for Van Dijk

Action Images via Reuters

For a man as aerially capable as he is, Virgil van Dijk arguably doesn’t have enough Liverpool goals to his name.

After scoring on his debut against Everton, the Dutchman went the remainder of the 2017-18 campaign without finding the back of the net again.

And he made a slow start to this season in that regard, too, before a goal at Wolves in December seemed to open the floodgates.

A brace against Watford late last month suggested Van Dijk is ready to deliver on his goalscoring potential, and tonight’s goal just confirmed it.

The Reds now have another excellent attacking weapon in their already well-stocked armoury.

Robertson loss the sole downside

Action Images via Reuters

Klopp’s reaction to a last-minute yellow card for Andy Robertson said it all.

The Scot had no need to go in for the late challenge that ensured he will miss the first leg of the Reds’ quarter-final tie through suspension.

With Alberto Moreno not a man to inspire confidence, James Milner is likely to get the nod in that position when that game comes around.

But, as a result, Klopp will be denied the chance to name his No.7 in central midfield - a big loss on tonight’s evidence.

It was the only sour note of a memorable night for Liverpool.

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