Liverpool booked their place in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, as they beat German champions Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Allianz Arena.
Liverpool made it through to the Last Eight stages of the Champions League, as they eased past Bayern Munich to beat them 3-1 on Wednesday night.
After a scratchy start to the game, Liverpool took the lead in the 26th minute, courtesy of a brilliant finish from in-form man Sadio Mane. Bayern were back on level terms in the 39th minute, however, when Joel Matip inadvertently turned a Serge Gnabry cross into his own net.
Liverpool had the advantage at half-time courtesy of the away goal. Post the restart, the Bavarians had a great chance to get their noses ahead, but Robert Lewandowski failed to get contact on a fine cross from the right flank. Soon enough, the missed chance came to haunt Niko Kovac’s side as Virgil van Dijk rose the highest to nod home a corner in the 69th minute to put Liverpool in control.
Bayern tried to mount a comeback, but Mane’s second goal in the 84th minute – a well-placed header after a brilliant cross from Salah – put the result beyond a doubt. It was a sensational performance from Jurgen Klopp’s men that ensured the Reds’ safe passage to the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier footballing competition.
GET INNNNNNNN!!! ??
MASSIVE PERFORMANCE!! #AllezAllezAllez
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 13, 2019
And here’s how the Liverpool stars fared on a memorable night in Germany;
Alisson Becker: 7/10
Did not have a whole lot do in terms of saves, but was alert and confident when called into action. Not a lot he could have done to stop Matip’s own goal. Distribution was on point once again.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10
The youngster was targeted by Bayern, especially in the first half, as they looked to set Franck Ribery off on the left side with long balls and despite a few early hiccups, Alexander-Arnold held firm and did well defensively for most parts. Was a constant outlet going forward, but his set-piece delivery was inconsistent.
Joel Matip: 7/10
Unlucky to have found the back of his own net in what was a bit of a dodgy first period, where he misplaced a couple of passes as well. But did not let it affect his game as he came up with several crucial interventions and kept a close eye on the dangerous Lewandowski. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk: 9/10
Another imperious display from the Dutchman. Set the tone with a brilliant early challenge on Lewandowski and did not let the Pole have much of an impact on the proceedings. A colossus at the back, Van Dijk produced a peach of a delivery for Mane leading to the opener. Then, he rose majestically over his marker to bury home a brilliant header to make it 2-1.
.@VirgilvDijk vs #FCBayern…
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won
5 clearances
3 interceptions
1 goal
1 assistWatch him defend… and we watch him score!! ? pic.twitter.com/qjwUEKhrx0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 14, 2019
Andrew Robertson: 6/10
A rare off night in defence for the Scotsman, as he got caught out by Gnabry’s run in the lead-up to Bayern’s goal in the first period and faced a similar moment after the break, but went unpunished this time out. Was lively on the overlap, however, forcing a save from Manuel Neuer in the first half and offering a constant outlet. A silly booking sees him miss out on the first leg of the quarterfinal.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7/10
Started off a little sluggishly, but improved with time as he put in another industrious display in the middle of the park for Liverpool. Kept a watchful eye on James Rodriguez, while looked to drive his team forward each time he got on the ball. Looks a bit fatigued though and could do with a rest.
Jordan Henderson: N/A
Recalled into the starting lineup after being benched for the weekend game against Burnley, the Liverpool captain saw his night end prematurely as he was unable to shake off an ankle injury.
James Milner: 7/10
Much like Wijnaldum, Milner too was a bit subdued in the first period on his return to the starting lineup, with his passing not quite on point. Improved very much after the break, with Liverpool able to establish more control in the middle. Got the assist for Liverpool’s all-important second goal with a fine corner kick.
Mohamed Salah: 7.5/10
Started on the left initially, but was back on the right side very soon. Caused the Bayern defence problems with his pace, especially after the game opened up in the second period, but was at times appeared too greedy, as he could have found teammates in better positions than going for the goal himself on a couple of occasions.
Brilliant outside-of-the-foot cross for Mane’s second goal, while his defensive work needs a special mention as well. A solid overall display, but the dry spell in front of goal continues.
Roberto Firmino: 7/10
Not the most productive of nights for the Brazilian in front of goal, but ran his socks off as he led Liverpool’s press from the front. Sharp interplay, especially in the second period. A selfless, industrious display leading the line for the visitors.
Sadio Mane: 9/10
Liverpool’s man in form stepped it up once again on the big occasion. Kicked things off with a sensational finish for the opening goal and was always a thorn in Bayern’s stride with his pace and movement, causing right-back Rafinha all sorts of problems. Showed great movement to head home his second of the night to put the game to bed in the second half.
Substitutes
Fabinho: 7/10
Replaced the injured Henderson early in the first period. Was solid in his screening duties in front of the defence – strong in tackles, alert to nip attacks in the bud. There were a few sloppy moments in possession in the first half, but apart from that, another reliable performance. Booked.
Divock Origi: N/A
Came on for Firmino with little time left on the clock. Played a hand in Liverpool’s third goal.
Adam Lallana: N/A
Replaced Milner in the dying stages of the game.
