Liverpool 0-0 Bayern Munich: Fabinho silences Robert Lewandowski, Virgil van Dijk-less's Reds leave all their goals

This is the new nickname of Niko Kovac that has been settled.

"The Jinx", we can call it.

"We will probably not see 0-0," suggested the coach of Bayern Munich on the eve of the 16th of this Champions League. shock.

The article continues below

Publisher's choice

This was a reasonable assumption in terms of fairness, given the quality of attack shown on both sides.

Funny old game though, football. And after 90 minutes, we will go to the Allianz Arena in three weeks with this equality still in the balance.

Liverpool advantage? This is not a team used to celebrating goal-scoreless draws at home, but given the defense issues that threatened them in this match, they may consider it a useful outcome. Jurgen Klopp will certainly want his team to score a goal in Munich.

The absence of Virgil van Dijk in suspension here was still likely to challenge the Reds. The Dutchman is a totemic presence in the rear and his calm, his communication and his air presence would have been difficult to replace even if Dejan Lovren had been rehabilitated, which he was not.

Liverpool started with midfielder Fabinho, associated with Joel Matip, center. A new and improvised partnership with Robert Lewandowski, one of the largest centers in the world.

A concern, yes, but give credit where it is due. Liverpool managed Lewandowski, and just about everything Bayern could muster, excellently.

What a fabulous Fabinho signature turns out to be for Merseysiders. Having started slowly and took the time to recover after his summer transfer, the former Monaco man is becoming a key figure in the Klopp club – wherever he plays.

"He's like a beacon," Deputy Director Pep Lijnders told Goal. He looked as in control as when he was playing further. He looked, in fact, as the center back compared to Matip sometimes.

There were notable interventions – a challenge to Lewandowski in the second half, in particular, was perfectly programmed into the penalty box – and Fabinho rarely seemed surprised by the pressure to play out of the game when of such a confrontation. In reality, Bayern rarely seemed to score a goal outside a nervous opening of about 15 minutes, while Liverpool's desire to play from behind made them in trouble. Alisson Becker, in particular, raised Kop's pulse with hesitation.

Liverpool seemed to be the better scorer as the game unfolded, but were unable to cause Manuel Neuer too much trouble themselves. A delay save, located to his right from the center of Sadio Mane, ensured the end of the match in the stalemate. For her part, Alisson was superbly protected by Fabinho et Cie. Jordan Henderson was outstanding midfield for the home team.

So we're going to Germany with all that's left to play. Bayern, of course, will consider itself a favorite given that it has the advantage of being at home, and the Kovac team is used to being in the final stages of the Champions League. Since 2011, they have failed only once in the semifinal.

However, they will surely see a missed opportunity. Liverpool's chin was discovered tonight and Bayern failed to hit a shot. If the Reds, with Van Dijk back, can show the same resilience among the Allianz, they will progress to the last eight.