Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich: 5 key matchups

Liverpool host Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday. Here are five matchups that could decide the result.

The Champions League round of 16 resumes this Tuesday with what looked, when the draw was made, like the tie of the round: Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich. Two of Europe’s heavyweights, 10 European Cups between, both seeking to end (by their standards) long waits for the prize.

Liverpool made the final last year, but lost 3-1 to Madrid after goalkeeper Loris Karius gifted the opposition two goals. Bayern were also eliminated by Los Blancos (also partly because of a bad keeping error), their fourth semifinal exit in the past five seasons.

Despite being mainstays in Europe, the two sides have rarely played, meeting only five times, with each club winning once. The last time the two clubs played was Aug. 24, 2001, when Liverpool won 3-2 in the UEFA Super Cup.

With Liverpool fighting for their first league title in over two decades, and Bayern looking like they might miss out on the league for the first time in six years, it’s possible the German side will be slightly more motivated in this tie. Then again, this is Liverpool in Europe.

Either way, this is a fascinating matchup between two evenly matched teams. Here are five key matchups that could decide the result.

Jurgen Klopp vs. Niko Kovac

One of the biggest advantages Liverpool have against Bayern is on the sidelines. Jurgen Klopp has proven to be a much better manager than Niko Kovac. The German manager has successfully implemented his personality on the club and has found success both with his usual high-pressing style and a more conservative approach, particularly in the league, this season.

Kovac has looked lost at times during his first season with Bayern. The Croatian manager has struggled to use his authority at the club to install his system, regularly changing formations and the roles and positions of his players, unable to find the right fit. Additionally, Kovac has struggled to strike the right balance while managing the multiple big personalities at the club and phasing out aging stars such as Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. The two legs against Liverpool will be the ultimate test for Kovac and the outcome could determine if he gets a second season at Bayern.

Klopp is one of the most highly-regarded managers of his era. Klopp’s personality, ability to manage his tactics and motivate his team have made him both successful and popular. The Reds manager has also shown flexibility with his team selection. In order to get Xherdan Shaqiri on the field, Klopp has moved Mohamed Salah to striker, while dropping Roberto Firmino deeper. The decision has paid off and given Liverpool another attacking option. Since joining Liverpool, Klopp has turned around the fortune of the club and could lead them to their first league title since 1989-90.

While Kovac has never managed against Klopp or Liverpool, Klopp does have plenty of experience against Bayern. During his tenure with Borussia Dortmund, Klopp led the club to two Bundesliga titles and nearly played Bayern even, winning nine times while losing 10. Unfortunately for Klopp, one of Dortmund’s losses came in the Champions League final.

Joel Matip vs. Robert Lewandowski

With Virgil van Dijk suspended for the first leg, the task of marking Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski falls on Joel Matip. With Joe Gomez out, Matip is likely to be partnered by either a half-fit Dejan Lovren or Fabinho. In either case, he’ll be the main man in the heart of defense.

While all three are capable defenders, they’re a significant downgrade from van Dijk, who’s among the best center-backs in the world. Losing your best defender is even more problematic for Liverpool since they’ll have to mark one of the best strikers in the world. Lewandowski is again having a great season for Bayern, with 25 goals and 11 assists in all competitions so far.

There’s one guarantee on Tuesday: Bayern will be focused on getting Lewandowski the ball. If Matip makes a mistake or loses even half a step when marking Lewandowski, the Polish striker will make them pay. With Ribery and Robben being phased out, Lewandowski has started to form a connection with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, who tend to take fewer touches and move the ball at a faster rate than their aging teammates. All it takes is one away goal from Lewandowski and the front three to give Bayern an advantage going into the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Mohamed Salah vs. David Alaba

Assuming Klopp sticks with his 4-3-3 formation with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the front three, David Alaba will be responsible for marking Salah. The Austrian left-back has been among the best full-backs in the world for some time, but he’s having a down year by his standards.

Alaba has looked slow, not ideal against the pace of Salah, who has 20 goals and eight assists. If Salah can use his speed on the break, he’ll give Bayern a lot of trouble and will likely find the scoresheet. A big performance from Salah could give Liverpool a commanding lead going into the second leg. However, if Alaba performs as we know he’s can, he’s one of few defenders in the world capable of sticking with Salah.

Naby Keita vs. Leon Goretzka

The two most important midfielders in Tuesday’s game could be two players who are in their first season with their clubs. Naby Keita joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig while Leon Goretzka joined Bayern from Schalke in the summer.

Keita’s familiarity with Bayern should only help him. He’s struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League so far this season, but has shown signs in recent games that he’s figuring it out, and may enjoy facing a German side again. Keita can do it all, but his ability to carry the ball through a congested midfield and desire to find a forward pass could be big difference maker in attack.

Bayern have won eight of their last nine Bundesliga games. Goretzka has played a large role, and since the start of the second half of the season has been one of the club’s best players. Goretzka has played further up the pitch, giving Bayern another attacking option. Since the start of 2019, Goretzka has scored four goals in Bayern’s four Bundesliga games. With Thomas Muller suspended, Arjen Robben not completely healthy and James Rodriguez struggling, Bayern will need a strong performance from Goretzka.

Roberto Firmino vs. Niklas Sule

One of the biggest problems for Bayern Munich this season has been their center-back pairing. Kovac has struggled to figure out which combination of Niklas Sule, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels is best. Sule is the younger and arguably better of the three options as Boateng and Hummels are in the decline phase of their careers. No matter who starts, Bayern will need a mistake-free performance as they could be without Manuel Neuer.

Sule will be responsible for marking Roberto Firmino, who has 11 goals this season. While Firmino has been a consistent goalscorer since joining Liverpool, he struggled against Bayern while with Hoffenheim. In seven career games, Firmino scored only one goal and Hoffenheim picked up one of a possible 21 points. But Firmino can have a big impact without scoring if he’s able to provide consistent pressure and link up with Salah and Sadio Mane.