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Liverpool thrash Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena to power its way through to the UCL quarters

Two goals from Sadio Mane helped Liverpool beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the second successive season. Neither side created many clear opportunities on a wet night in Munich and both sets of players were guilty of giving away possession too easily and too often. 

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Courtesy: Sportsnet

The first quarter was cagey, mirroring the goalless first leg. The Reds adopted a hit-and-hope strategy to their front three which almost paid off when Roberto Firmino smacked a shot inches wide from Mohamed's Salah's hooked ball. Two minutes later another hopeful ball resulted in the opener. Van Dijk launched a long pass intended for Mane, whose instant control dumfounded both the tracking Rafinha and Neuer, who miscalculated his foray forward. Mane, with his back to the Germany keeper, turned and fired into the empty net. It was a brilliant finish, but he benefited from Neuer's terrible judgement.

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Courtesy: Goal

With the advantage of an away goal and Bayern lacking invention, the Reds should have seen out the rest of the half, but Niko Kovac's side hit back with their own hopeful ball forward from Niklas Sule. The centre-back's pass found Serge Gnabry, whose low cross, intended for Robert Lewandowski, was unwittingly turned in by Matip.

Image result for liverpool v bayern munich matip own goal
Courtesy: The Guardian

Klopp's men must have expected a second-half onslaught but Bayern found it difficult to get behind Liverpool's backline. Instead it was Liverpool who found the net again when Van Dijk leaped above Rafinha and Mats Hummels to nod home Milner's corner.

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Courtesy: The Independent

The shackles now off, the visitors scored a third when substitute Divock Origi found Salah on the right of the area. The Egypt forward lifted the ball to fellow forward Mane who headed home.

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Courtesy: BBC

The match ended on a slight sour note for Liverpool when full-back Andrew Robertson picked up a yellow card in stoppage time which means he will be suspended for the first leg of their quarter-final. The Reds' win means there will be four representatives from the Premier League in the last eight for the first time since 2009.

 

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