A 0-0 draw at Anfield sets up the second leg between Liverpool and Bayern Munich very intriguingly. The Reds would have been happy to have not conceded an away goal, but a tough task awaits at the Allianz Arena.
Confidence will be high for both sides after they picked up important victories as they challenge for their respective league titles over the weekend.
Liverpool got back to winning ways with a 4-2 victory against Burnley to close the gap at the top of the table to one point, while Bayern demolished Wolfsburg 6-0 to go top of the Bundesliga on goal difference.
I spoke to @HomeFCB ahead of the first leg to get his thoughts. Now, three weeks later, I talked to him again to see if the mood in Bavaria has changed leading up to the return leg.
To start off, what were your thoughts on the first leg?
It was a good game, and within expectations, it was a good result for Bayern. It is very difficult not to concede a goal at Anfield, and I think Bayern knew that, as much as possible, they had to nullify Liverpool’s momentum. The game was very good.
Were you happy with the result?
Yes, but a draw with goals would have been better. It is difficult for Liverpool to go and avoid defeat and because of this, the result was very good.
Were you surprised that Bayern changed their approach in the first game?
Not really. To play at Anfield, you have to have a clear strategy, and Kovac managed to make one.
Who impressed you during the most for both Liverpool and Bayern?
For Liverpool, Henderson and Fabinho impressed me a lot. The Englishman did well to overturn Bayern’s offensive moves and did well in the transition. The Brazilian was impeccable in defence, even playing in an unfamiliar position.
On the Bayern side, Thiago and Hummels were fantastic. The Spaniard, responsible for the creation, was great defensively. The German was impeccable in defence as well. Cancelling Liverpool’s fast attack is very difficult, and Hummels played a key role for Bayern to leave England with a 0-0.
Bayern were plagued with a few injury problems before the first leg. How does the injury list look now?
Tolisso (knee) and Robben (calf) are still injured. Muller and Kimmich (suspended) are the other absentees. Last week, Coman and Alaba were injured but will be available for Wednesday’s game.
Will these injuries affect Bayern?
No, Bayern have become accustomed to the absences of Robben and Tolisso. But, the absences of Muller and especially Kimmich will greatly affect the team’s game.
How do you see this match playing out?
It will be a very unpredictable game; anything can happen. Bayern and Liverpool have different styles of play, and Klopp knows Bayern well. It will be 50-50; both sides have a chance to qualify.
How will Niko Kovac line up his side?
Neuer (c); Rafinha (Boateng*), Sule, Hummels, Alaba; Martinez, Thiago; Gnabry, James, Coman; Lewandowski.
*It is possible that Boateng will play to provide a passing outlet on the right because Rafinha does not pass with much confidence.
