How did the stars perform as Bayern hold Liverpool at Anfield?

Liverpool failed to take a lead into a second leg after putting in a tame effort against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16 at Anfield. The Reds had two to three good chances to go ahead in the game, but they failed to convert those and the game ended 0-0.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich were happy to sit back and invite pressure to deal with it brilliantly. Lately, the Bavarians were accused of their defensive vulnerabilities at the back, but their backline stood strong to secure a clean sheet. With their game plan, it was evident that Nico Kovac had come for a draw.

Jurgen Klopp will be discontent, but he will be relieved at the other end as the unconventional centre-back pairing of Joel Matip and Fabinho dealt with Robert Lewandowski brilliantly to nullify the Polish striker and come away with a clean sheet and concede nil goals in the first leg.

Nothing is lost for Liverpool as they head into the away fixture in order to score and pile pressure on the Bavarians. With Virgil Van Dijk back for the second leg, the Liverpool forwards and midfield will have enough assurance to roam forward and convert chances.

The draw was the outcome, but there was some brilliant stand out performers in the defensive part of the game. In this article, we shall look at 5 hits and flops from this game.

#1 Jordan Henderson stands tall

Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson after the game

When the team needed a standout player for the night, Jordan Henderson produced a stellar performance in the middle of the park to save Jurgen Klopp's men. The Liverpool skipper was the best player on the pitch and won four out of five attempted tackles which was the most by any player on the pitch.

Besides, he made countless interceptions and recoveries to bail his side from trouble throughout the night. Not only did Henderson have a good game, but his midfield partners Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita were also brilliant to break down the opponent's midfield which had very little to do because of the setup of Bayern Munich.

#2 Sadio Mane misses

Sadio Mane has been in sublime form in front of goal, scoring four goals in the last four games, but he has missed a couple of good opportunities in the first half to take the lead.

The Senegalese International was onside when Naby Keita's shot was deflected by Nicolas Sule. By turning 180 degrees from goal, Mane tried to steer it past Manuel Neuer, but the ball went well wide in the end. During the same half, he had a half chance, but he scuffed the chance which also went wide of the post again.

The Liverpool forward was very well marked by Joshua Kimmich, but he covered the pitch and helped out Andy Robertson when needed in the defensive part of the game. It was a poor attacking display, but Sadio Mane will be keen to prove his mettle against Rafinha in the second leg at Allianz Arena.

#3 Mats Hummels proves a point

Hummels , Wijnaldum and Thiago in action

Mats Hummels has often been accused for his defensive shows in recent weeks, but he moved back to 2013 to prove that he is one of the leading centre-halves currently. The German defender was dominant and did not give space to breathe for Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino who lacked incisiveness in the final third.

During the second half when the Egyptian was running away with the ball inside the penalty box, Hummels made an excellent tackle to take the ball off Salah and take his team to safety. Liverpool had enough men to trouble through their set pieces, but Bayern's No 5 was the first man up and headed the ball away to safety in these situations.

The former Borussia Dortmund centre-half dealt with Liverpool attack and made several tackles and interceptions to frustrate the hosts in front of goal. He will be hoping to replicate the same kind of performance in the second leg at Allianz Arena.

#4 Andy Robertson has a bad night

Rarely does Andy Robertson have a poor game. The Liverpool left-back was exposed by Bayern Munich's explosive winger Serge Gnabry who tormented him defensively. During the first half, the German forward combined well with Joshua Kimmich to hurt Liverpool's defence, but they dealt with it well.

Robertson also took too much time with the ball and gave the ball away in dangerous areas, which could have cost him. But they were lucky to escape as Bayern did not look decisive in the final third because they were more eager to retain the ball and frustrate Liverpool.

The Scotland Captain will have to face the experienced Arjen Robben during the second leg as the Dutch International is expected to recover in time for an anticipated clash at Allianz Arena. It will be interesting to see how he deals with the Dutch International who has tons of experience at the top level.

#5 Joshua Kimmich stops Sadio Mane

Liverpool's creativity mostly comes from their full-backs. Niko Kovac has studied Jurgen Klopp's blueprint and instructed Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba not to get higher up the pitch to unsettle the opposition's forwards.

It was the case as Joshua Kimmich stayed with Sadio Mane throughout the game and gave him no chance to deliver a ball inside the penalty box. Apart from Senegalese International, Andy Robertson was another one making constant attacking runs to help out the attackers, but it did not work out.

During the first half, Naby Keita tried to roll the ball to Andy Robertson, but it was first blocked by Joshua Kimmich. When the Liverpool midfielder tried to deliver it for the second time, the ball took a tiny deflection off Kimmich to end into Manuel Neuer's arms.

He picked up a yellow when he tried to foul his opponent Mane in the first leg and will miss the reverse tie in Germany on March 13th.

Edited by sam.abraham