There’s been an abundance of drama in the Champions League round of 16 already and this game is likely to be similarly thrilling.
Following a cagey first leg at Anfield that finished 0-0, the tie is finely balanced ahead of tonight’s encounter in Germany.
Bayern are expected to be far more adventurous than they were in that initial encounter, while Liverpool will be hoping to expose the spaces in behind in a way they were unable to do largely due their opponents’ cautious tactics in the first leg.
Both teams are in decent form with Bayern top of the Bundesliga and Jurgen Klopp’s men trailing Premier League leaders City by a point, with this match likely to have a big impact on both teams season.
Kick off is at 8pm, with 90 minutes of action (or potentially more) set to decide which of these sides secures a coveted spot in the competition’s quarter finals.
Confirmation of tonight’s teams…
🔴 TEAM NEWS TIME 🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 13, 2019
Tonight's line-up to face #FCBayern...#UCL https://t.co/GSvouieTfY
TEAM NEWS 📋 Here are the #FCBayern boys to take on @LFC 👊#packmas #UCL #FCBLFC pic.twitter.com/ur8NTJcVi1
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 13, 2019
So who do you think will go through?
Poll Results:
Nothing too much to speak of in the opening three minutes.
Bayern, as expected, are playing in a more open fashion than they did at Anfield, and are passing the ball about in a confident fashion as I type.
Concern for Liverpool early on as Jordan Henderson goes down holding his foot.
It looked like an innocuous enough challenge from the Bayern player.
The visitors have Fabinho on the bench if needed.
It looks like Henderson is going to be okay to continue.
Fabinho can relax for now.
First effort for Bayern.
Firmino gives it away cheaply, before Thiago curls an attempt high and wide from the edge of the box.
It’s been a cagey enough opening, though unlike the first leg, Bayern are the team showing most of the attacking intent.
Dangerous moment for Liverpool.
A lofted ball is played into the box and Lewandowski beats the offside trap before going down under the challenge of Van Dijk, but the ref waves play on.
It would have been soft, but it’s the type of call some officials would have given.
Disappointment for Jordan Henderson, who cannot continue on account of that early knock he picked up.
He is replaced by the man some felt deserved to start this game — Fabinho.
It’s “a roll of the ankle” that caused Henderson to go off, according to BT Sport.
Here’s a look at that Lewandowski penalty claim…
WATCH 📲:
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Lewandowski goes down in the box on 11 minutes but the referee says no foul from van Dijk.#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/IwjtTETAED
With 20 minutes played, it still feels as if both teams are waiting for the other to make a mistake.
Despite the fact there is so much normal time left, it already has the feel of an extra-time game.
That said, Bayern have scored 11 goals in their last two matches, so it won’t be easy by any means for Liverpool to keep a clean sheet tonight.
Firmino gets a sight at goal.
It goes just wide, but it clearly had Neuer worried, as the goalkeeper dived swiftly to his left in reaction to the attempt.
BAYERN 0-1 LIVERPOOL (MANE 25)
Mane has scored his 18th goal of the season to put Liverpool ahead.
It’s a brilliant goal. The attacker takes a touch from Van Dijk’s ball over the top, before completely outfoxing Neuer with his turn, with the goalkeeper way off his line.
The Senegal international then provides the icing on the cake with a lovely clipped finish despite several Bayern defenders being in the vicinity.
That might be one of the most distinctive - maybe even properly unique - goals I've seen.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) March 13, 2019
6 - No @LFC player has scored more away goals in European Cup/Champions League history than Sadio Mane (6, level with Steven Gerrard and Roberto Firmino). Degree. #BAYLIV pic.twitter.com/oJhQa5WFCo
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 13, 2019
It’s been an impressive, controlled display from Liverpool so far.
That goal has given them an obvious boost, while Bayern have barely threatened at all with just over 10 minutes until half-time.
As I type, down the left-hand side where Liverpool have looked especially dangerous, Mane plays through the onrushing Robertson, whose shot from a difficult angle is straight at Neuer.
James finds himself in a promising position, but badly overhits his cross.
Bayern have not looked sharp at all in the final third thus far.
Here’s a look at that superb opening goal…
Van Dijk ➡️ Mané 🔄 Neuer ➡️ ⚽️🥅
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
WHAT A GOAL FROM SADIO MANÉ!#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/4pnElwehE8
BAYERN 1-1 LIVERPOOL (MATIP OWN GOAL)
Out of nothing, Bayern are right back into this game.
Gnabry latches on to a ball over the top, losing Robinson in the process. He then drills it across the box and Matip sticks a foot out and unwittingly directs the ball into the net.
Liverpool still lead on away goals, but that’s a big psychological boost for Bayern with half-time approaching, with the hosts having previously struggled to open Liverpool up.
Fabinho has just been booked for a late challenge on Thiago.
Alaba’s subsequent free kick is fairly comfortably saved by Alisson.
Bayern have a pep in their step all of a sudden.
"Modern football kills emotions; f**k VAR, fuck Uefa" banner held up briefly by Bayern fans. #BAYLIV
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 13, 2019
HALF-TIME: BAYERN 1-1 LIVERPOOL
So half-time and this tie remains very much in the balance.
Liverpool still hold the away-goals advantage, though they will go in at the break with a degree of regret having failed to see out the opening 45 minutes without conceding.
There hasn’t been too much between the teams. Bayern have attempted to control the play and had the greater possession (63% according to the BBC) without offering enough attacking threat.
Liverpool have looked relatively composed and solid for the most part, and were greatly aided by that stunning Mane goal, but cannot afford to feel in anyway complacent with Bayern currently a goal away from progression.
Here’s a look at the goal that got Bayern back in the tie…
😳
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Here's the Joel Matip OG that has Bayern level.
Liverpool still leading on away goals!#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/GWv32ddSPO
It’s been a fairly low key start to the second period.
A minor injury to Thiago interrupted proceedings.
As I type, however, Liverpool break through Salah, but the Egypt international’s shot from the edge of the area is straight at Neuer, who parries it away to safety.
It’s been a decent start to the second half by Liverpool.
They look like a side who are trying to get a second goal.
The longer it stays 1-1, however, the more tempting it will be for Klopp’s men to sit back and soak up the pressure.
As the game approaches the hour mark, Liverpool are looking relatively comfortable, with Bayern struggling to gain a foothold in this second half.
One mistake, however, could change anything, and marginal errors are often the difference at this level.
Big chance for Bayern!
Gnabry is played through down the right by Ribery, and the cross narrowly eludes the lurking Lewandowski.
That’s Ribery’s last act of the match, as he’s replaced by Coman.
Matip is booked for a late challenge on Lewandowski.
Liverpool have just shown a few signs of nerves in recent minutes.
From the ensuing free kick, Javi Martínez is adjudged offside as the ball is played in, and he heads it well over anyway.
Here’s a look at that let-off for Liverpool…
Bayern go close to taking the lead!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Just needs a tap in! 🙈#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/JugPzsRvj0
LIVERPOOL 2-1 BAYERN (VAN DIJK 69)
Liverpool are back in the driving seat and it’s their star centre-back who’s made the difference.
Milner delivers the corner in and Van Dijk leaps above the Bayern defenders and heads home powerfully.
Game over?
In response to that goal, Bayern make an attacking change.
Javi Martínez is replaced by 24-year-old Germany international Leon Goretzka.
Big chance for Liverpool!
They counter through a mazy Salah run, but Süle stops the attack with a well-timed challenge.
The Egyptian tried to go it alone there, when he surely would have been better off squaring to Mane, who was in a position to tap home.
Bayern make another change.
James Rodriguez, who has had a poor game and has been very ineffective in attack, is replaced by ex-Swansea loan player Renato Sanches.
There is increasingly space for Liverpool to exploit on the counter as Bayern push forward in search of an equaliser.
Firmino is the latest to get a half-chance, but his shot from about 30 yards out is straight at Alisson.
Liverpool make a change.
Origi replaces Firmino. The Brazilian has worked hard, but hasn’t been at his best tonight by his high standards.
Meanwhile, Sanches has just been booked for a poor challenge on Wijnaldum.
BAYERN 1-3 LIVERPOOL (MANE 84)
That’s that and the home fans know it, as they leave the Allianz Arena in their droves.
It’s a perfect cross from Salah and Mane escapes the attentions of Hummels and heads home to seal Liverpool’s place in the last eight.
It’s undoubtedly deserved — Bayern simply haven’t done enough to get anything from this game.
Liverpool make a final change to run down the clock.
Lallana is on in place of Milner.
Here’s a look at the Van Dijk goal that put Liverpool in command…
"Watch him defend, and we watch him score!" 🎶
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Virgil van Dijk puts Liverpool back in front with a brilliant header! 🔴#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/jpmUyIY5MN
A slight blip for Liverpool as the game approaches its conclusion
Robinson is booked for a badly timed challenge on Goretzka and will consequently miss the first leg of their next European match.
FULL-TIME: BAYERN MUNICH 1-3 LIVERPOOL
So that’s that.
Liverpool reach the quarter-finals.
It’s the first time for 10 years that four English teams have reached the last eight of the Champions League.
It was certainly deserved on the night, with Liverpool rarely looking under undue pressure.
Bayern enjoyed plenty of possession, but struggled to carve out openings.
Liverpool, by contrast, were ruthless in front of goal when opportunities arose, while one or two nervy moments aside, they produced an excellent defensive performance.
Meanwhile, serious questions will be asked of this Bayern team. Apart from the occasional bright moment, they were toothless in attack, and looked fairly desperate and devoid of ideas by the end.
The one disappointing moment for the Reds was the needless booking for Robinson on the brink of full-time, with the defender now set to miss their next European match.
Here’s the Mane goal that sealed Liverpool’s place in the quarter-finals.
"10 GOALS. IN 10 GAMES. 10/10 FOR LIVERPOOL TONIGHT!"
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 13, 2019
Sadio Mané sends #LFC into the Champions League 1/4 Finals! 🔴
What a ball by Mo Salah!#BAYLIV #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/A4ihrOqjx3
Right, that’s all from me.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
You can read our match report here and we’ll have more reaction on the site shortly.
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Great advertisement for the LOI. How ex Shels RTE commentator could say Matty Smith should not have been sent off is beyond me. Shels lost their discipline at the end.
What a game. Incredible to watch on telly.
Brilliant game of football! Up the Saints!
Incredible match , brilliant atmosphere .I wonder why Pats were only given 500 tickets when there was room for another 500
May not be riveting football, but I’d rather it that way with lots of goals any day. Some incredible finishes, particularly the two Shels goals. They still have a healthy lead but sometimes pressure affects less-experienced sides more when it matters most. Rovers with the more favourable fixtures too, albeit they need a win next week to truly unsettle Duff’s men for the run in. Those sides fighting relegation like Drogheda can become banana skins too in the latter stages of any league.
Great entertainment. Couple of wonderful finishes, Keenas effort from inside his own half outrageous.
Mistakes to be sure but guys on 100000 a week make mistakes.
Thought Shels should have brought on the big lad up front sooner.
It’s like a bunch of drunks doing a 100 metre race. If you’re invested in a team it may seem exciting, but it’s been a very poor season, particularly for Shams with all the resources at their disposal. Even if they do win in the end, Bradders has been exposed as clueless.
@Ian Cunningham: you do talk some drivel Ian!
@Ellis Dewald: Shels have 54 points out of 96, Shams 49 out of 96. In any other league in the world these stats wouldn’t put a team within an asses roar of the title. Just because anyone can beat anyone on a given day doesn’t make it a great league.
@Ian Cunningham: Bayern Munich ran away with the bundesliga every year until last year, did that make it a great league?
@Bert Carolan: Personally I will say yes ;) although not the ideal regular winner I agree. If we had a bit more nerve, BVB should’ve snapped up two of them titles too.
@Ian Cunningham:
Drivel is right
Great advertisement for the league with ROVERS back in it
After shels made it two each, they needed composure, and Duff just throne a tantrum on the line and it seeped into the team, it was a great game, it’s amazing how open it still is, if Pats were to win all four games and get to 59, the other teams are showing no consistency to say they will, poor season but has the makings of a great finish.
Brilliant stuff. Best LOI game I can remember seeing and delighted the TV cameras were there. Now imagine what our league could be with some investment.
The bluffer should be made watch fools and horses
Sh€ls are falling apart again