What are we all making of that, then? I’m quite satisfied with the result. Liverpool 0-0 Bayern Munich and all the Reds must do now is score and avoid defeat at the Allianz Arena.
Given Bayern’s home record that does seem a mission. However, there was enough to see tonight that suggests Liverpool can fancy their chances.
With Virgil van Dijk back we’ll hopefully see an improved Andy Robertson (there’s a clue about his rating), whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold will be less rusty and there should be more space to exploit behind that defence.
Here we go with tonight’s ratings, as Liverpool stay well in the tie ahead of the return leg in three weeks.
Moreno wearing a Robertson mask?
Alisson Becker (6): Couple of nervy moments with the ball but the significant one is more Matip being rubbish. No spectacular saves given Liverpool’s solid defensive display, although he did stop own goal of the century from our boy Joel.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6):Â Eased himself back into the side with a decent display. Will probably be a little disappointed with his attacking contribution but restricted Coman from showing his true ability.
Fabinho (8): Probably knocked up a rating given he’s a midfielder coming into centre-back alongside Joel Matip against elite opposition. Kept Robert Lewandowski absolutely silent with a succession of crucial headers and tackles. If he wasn’t so good in midfield we’d be talking about him as a long term partner for Van Dijk.
Joel Matip (6): His overall defensive performance was good and deserves a seven. Unfortunately, I can’t get that near own goal out of my head, nor the fact that when gifted all the space in the world on the edge of the area in the dying minutes, he wildly swung at the ball first time.
Andy Robertson (5): Not terrible enough for a three or four, but you have to wonder whether he had the shits as well this week? Skinned multiple times by Gnabry for Bayern’s best chances, fluffed a counter-attacking chance by refusing to use his right foot. Most crosses were bad. Just poor, let’s hope it’s a one off.
Marvellous midfield
Jordan Henderson (8): Maybe his best display this season, first half especially. Tackle after tackle, mopped up a lot of sloppy play from the front three and those behind him. Some lovely passes too. More of that until May please, Hendo.
Gini Wijnaldum (6):Â Thought it took him a little while to get into the game but once he did he was fine, marshalled the midfield well but lacked a little in the final third.
Naby Keita (7): Another good display as he plays himself into form. Touch looked assured, seems to be growing in confidence as the week goes on. Shame to take him off but hopefully it’s a sign he’ll be ready to tear things up at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Mané fails to fire
Mohamed Salah (6):Â Had Alaba pegged back, linked nicely with Firmino. Not much else, Wijnaldum got in his way when his best chance of the night came around.
Roberto Firmino (6):Â Really good first half, faded in the second. Probably something to do with spending the last few days on the toilet.
Sadio Mané (5): I don’t know, mate. Your positioning is excellent, your finishing is not. Work on it and you’ll be the best player in the world.
Substitutes
James Milner (5):Â Spent 20 minutes running around trying to get booked.
Divock Origi (5):Â Get in the box, lad.
