Klopp’s Liverpool face German test

Liverpool will face a test of their UEFA Champions League pedigree when they take on European heavyweights Bayern Munich in the first leg of a last 16 tie on Tuesday, 19 February 2019. Kick-off at Anfield will be at 22h00 CAT.

Liverpool earned their place in the knockout phase by coming home in second place in Group C behind Paris Saint-Germain. The English giants had a mixed pool campaign, but showed their class with a crucial 1-0 win over Napoli in December 2018.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has seen his side stutter somewhat in their recent Premier League matches, raising suggestions that the pressure is beginning to take its toll, but he will have enjoyed a 10-day preparation period for this match and is well-versed in knocking Bayern off their stride, having done so numerous times when he was in charge of Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern went unbeaten through Group E and come out on top of the standings, ahead of Ajax, Benfica and AEK Athens. It was a relatively ‘easy’ group for the German giants, and there is a worry that Niko Kovac’s side will not be ‘battle hardened’ enough for this clash with the Reds.

The Bavarians, however, boast a powerful squad with some sublime players, including striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish attacker is the Champions League’s leading goal scorer thus far, having hit eight goals in the group phase.

In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and Bayern have met in five previous European club competition matches. Both the Reds and the Bavarians have picked up one win apiece, while three matches have been drawn.

Their last official clash was way back in August 2001, when they met in the UEFA Super Cup (with Liverpool as UEFA Cup champions and Bayern as Champions League winners) and the English team won the match 3-2 at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.

The return match of this last 16 tie will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich on 13 March.

Liverpool v Bayern Munich – Head-to-head, European competitions

Matches played 5

Liverpool wins 1

Bayern wins 1

Draws 3

Last five results (Champions League only, most recent first)

Liverpool | W | L | L | W | L
Bayern | D | W | W | W | D