Liverpool and Bayern Munich trade blows but draw leaves tie poised

Jürgen Klopp’s prediction of a “blockbuster” between the two five-times champions of Europe was misplaced. His warning about the strength of his old adversaries from Bayern Munich was not. The wise heads rather than the old legs of the German champions prevailed as Liverpool were frustrated at Anfield for the first time in this season’s Champions League.

Liverpool maintained their record of never having lost to German opposition at home in Europe and extended their unbeaten run to 20 European ties at Anfield. A goalless draw will also stir memories of the 1981 semi-final, when Liverpool advanced on the away goals rule in the second leg in Munich. But these felt like meagre consolations for Klopp’s men against opponents who, under transition with Niko Kovac, have displayed rare vulnerability this season. But not here. Bayern were assured, resilient and rarely unsettled.

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