Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
6 7 6 8 6 7 6 7 7 7 8
Sadio double and Van Dijk’s colossal header send Klopp’s men to last eight
Sublime opening goal, sealed it with brilliant second SUBS: Fabinho (Henderson 13) Origi (Firmino 83)
Lallana (Milner 87) SO much for the theory that Liverpool would welcome their own form of Brexit.
Jurgen Klopp’s side proved his passionate words about wanting to remain in Europe to share in the riches of the Champions League were far from hollow, his team producing a stunning victory in Munich.
It was a display inspired by the brilliance of Sadio Mane and the towering presence of Virgil van Dijk, but one forged in the European glories of this club’s rich history.
The defeat of Bayern had echoes of that famous night in 1981 when they came to Munich given barely a chance, and in a memorable display reached the final of this competition.
History is on Liverpool’s side. The last three times they have faced German opponents they have gone on to reach a final – in 2005, 2016 and last year.
This calm, disciplined display suggests a return this season is not beyond them.
Few teams have come here and done this to Bayern, who looked humbled by the end.
It was Mane who stole the headlines, with an incredible performance. He destroyed his marker Rafinha and opened the scoring, with a brilliant individual goal. The hosts fought back to level through a Matip own goal, but then a towering header from his centre-back partner van Dijk from a James Milner corner put the tie beyond doubt.
Mane topped a superb evening with a fine goal after the again-excellent Mo Salah danced down the right and crossed for his partner to head home his 10th goal in his last 10 games.
Klopp caused surprise – and no little anger among some Liverpool fans – for the second time in four days with his selection, this time with what was dubbed a Brexit midfield.
He chose the old-fashioned values of a solid trio of Jordan Henderson, Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum. But, just like Theresa May’s deal in the Commons, it was voted down early in the contest when skipper Henderson limped off.
It was unfortunate for the midfielder, who was desperate to impress after being left out a couple of times of late. Instead, it was his replacement, Fabinho, who was given the task of helping the Reds remain in Europe.
That prospect seemed much more likely 25 minutes into what up until then was a tense and stilted contest, thanks to the outrageous talent of Mane – a footballing migrant surely no one wants to close borders to.
The goal was sublime. A superb long ball from van Dijk