Liverpool’s much-anticipated Champions League knockout tie with Bayern Munich failed to live up to expectations and a goalless draw leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side with plenty to do in Germany next month.
Klopp again found his former Bundesliga rivals a tough nut to crack in their last-16, first leg encounter which had little in the way of goalmouth action and much more in the way of uncharacteristic errors.
These clubs may have 10 European Cups between them but there was little to show for it in terms of quality, with just three combined shots on target in 90 minutes, which promised so much but delivered so little.
Liverpool, with Virgil Van Dijk suspended and Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez both injured, started with their fourth-choice centre-back in Joel Matip and midfielder Fabinho playing alongside him.
It was not the best scenario to be facing the Champions League’s leading scorer Robert Lewandowski but a clean sheet was one positive to come from the night.
Player ratings
Liverpool
Alisson – 6
Hailed for an early save with his chest but how much he knew about it was debatable. Some poor choices in possession.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Came into the game as the evening progressed without ever making it his own.
Joel Matip – 6
Spared an early own goal by Alisson’s chest. Played his part in shutting down Lewandwoski but lacked composure.
Fabinho – 8
Van Dijk’s direct replacement adapted as well as could be expected, growing in confidence as the game went on.
Andrew Robertson – 6
Not his usual self. Still offered a outlet on the left but crossing and decision-making was off.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
Carried the ball forward well but suffered a few unfortunate moments, such as getting in the way of one mazy Salah run into the penalty area.
Jordan Henderson – 8
Man-of-the-match. Superb ball over the top for Salah early on was best pass of the evening. Excellent recovery tackle on Gnabry at the end of the first half.
Naby Keita – 8
Still a little untidy at times but adventurous at least. Progressed the ball well and created at least two opportunities for Mané by having attempts of his own blocked.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Lacked his usual explosiveness. Should have done better with the few opportunities that fell his way.
Roberto Firmino – 6
Perhaps still feeling the effects of a virus, he was crowded out for much of the evening but still linked up well on occasion.
Sadio Mané – 5
Misses big chance at 0-0, turning shot wide after Keita’s attempt blocked. Lacked his usual finishing touch.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer – 6
The least convincing member of Bayern’s backline but coped with what Liverpool could muster.
Joshua Kimmich – 7
Reacted well to receiving a first-half yellow card and being suspended for the second leg.
Niklas Sule – 8
Mountainous centre-half put Salah off opening the scoring with a crucial, delicate and devilish tug after Henderson’s ball over the top.
Mats Hummels – 8
Frustrated Liverpool with his ability to thwart their attacks at the crucial moment.
David Alaba – 7
Managed to keep a lid on Salah for much of the evening.
Thiago Alcantara – 6
Tidy enough but failed to have enough influence to control the flow of the game through midfield.
Javi Martinez – 7
Did well covering Liverpool’s bursts forward and produced a few of his own in response.
Serge Gnabry – 6
Lively but failed to capitalise at key moments, namely Robertson’s under-hit header and when played in behind by a back pass. Important tackle denied Mané clear chance.
James Rodriguez – 6
A muted presence. Dragged one shot well wide when in space late on.
Kingsley Coman – 7
A regular threat down Bayern’s left though lacked end product.
Robert Lewandowski – 5
Effectively shacked by Fabinho and isolated from the rest of his team-mates.