Two European heavyweights cross swords when Bayern take on Liverpool in the Champions League last sixteen. The two clubs have clinched Europe's most prestigious title five times each. Only Real Madrid (13) and AC Milan (seven) have achieved that more often. Liverpool have won two of the seven previous editions of the fixture, with Bayern winning one and four games ending in a draw. fcbayern.com has compiled the facts and stats prior to the clash.
Bayern strong against English teams
The last duel with Liverpool dates back to 2001, a 3-2 reverse in the UEFA Super Cup, with Niko and Robert Kovac and Hasan Salihamidzic out on the pitch. The German record champions boast an impressive record against English sides since then: they have won all of their last three encounters, all 5-1 victories over Arsenal. The men from Munich have come out on top in all of the last five knockout ties against English teams.
Legendary Anfield – Bayern strong on the road
FC Bayern's recent record in Champions League away matches is impressive. Since the 3-0 reverse away to PSG in September 2017, Bayern have gone unbeaten in the last eight matches on foreign soil, winning six and drawing two. However, Liverpool have not lost any of their last 19 European matches at home, and Jürgen Klopp's men have won all of their three home matches in this campaign's group stage. A German side have never won at Anfield, with 14 defeats and three draws from a German point of view. A win on Tuesday would mean FC Bayern make history.
Duel of the top strikers
Robert Lewandowski has netted eight times in six matches so far, topping the scorer rankings. Never before has a player of a German team scored so many goals at this point. Liverpool's top scorer is Mohamed Salah on three goals. However, Niko Kovac' men should watch out. The two-time African Footballer of the Year has been involved in a total of 12 goals in nine CL home matches so far, scoring nine and setting up three.
Two bans
Both Liverpool and FC Bayern will have to make do without one crucial player. LFC's Virgil can Dijk will miss the match after seeing a third yellow card in the last group match against Napoli. Thomas Müller will miss both matches after being sent off in the 3-3 draw away to Ajax. Liverpool's Andrew Robertson and Bayern's Joshua Kimmich have collected two bookings and would be suspended for the return leg should they see another yellow card. Gianluca Rocchi will be the man with the whistle on Tuesday. Thr 45-year-old Italian has overseen three CL matches involving Bayern so far, the German record champions leaving the pitch as winners in all three games.
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