The media on Bayern 1-3 LFC: 'Special performance from a special team'

Sadio Mane netted twice and Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner as the Reds claimed a significant scalp in the last 16.

Here is what the media made of the match...

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

What a setting for Liverpool to reassert their credentials as a powerhouse on the European stage. The Allianz Arena, home to mighty Bayern Munich, belonged to 3,800 ecstatic Kopites. The stunned Bundesliga giants weren't just beaten, they were humbled in their own backyard on a night to cherish in Bavaria. This was a special performance from a special team. From the grit and desire of the first half when Mane's stunning opener was cancelled out by Joel Matip's own goal, to the swagger of the second half when Virgil van Dijk's header was followed by Mane's second of the night. The Senegal international goes from strength to strength. This double took his tally for the campaign to 19 goals as he tormented Bayern's backline. Liverpool played with real maturity and control – rock solid defensively, tireless in midfield and packing a punch going forward. There was a gulf in class.

David Lynch, Evening Standard

The Reds didn't just beat Bayern here, they outclassed them. And that doesn't bode well for their opponents in a quarter-final draw that has opened up following exits for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. With Mane having travelled to Munich off the back of a run of eight goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions, it was no surprise to see him bring his form to the European stage here. His opening goal was a thing of beauty; a first touch to die for and then a typically graceful swivel of the hips left Manuel Neuer and his defence completely bamboozled. A brace against Watford late last month suggested Van Dijk is ready to deliver on his goalscoring potential, and tonight's goal just confirmed it. The Reds now have another excellent attacking weapon in their already well-stocked armoury.

Neil Jones, Goal.com

Here, at the Allianz Arena, Liverpool served up yet another reminder that, where the Champions League is concerned, few do it better. Asked the questions, the Reds came up with the answers. Could they handle the occasion? Tick. Could they do it away from home? Tick. Could they take on Bayern Munich, the mighty Bayern Munich, at their own game, in their own back yard and come out on top? Tick. Can they win the Champions League? With Klopp and Virgil van Dijk, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, anything feels possible. Mane and Van Dijk did the damage, but this was a triumph of the collective. Liverpool handled setbacks, the loss of their captain Jordan Henderson to injury inside the opening 15 minutes and the disappointment of a carelessly-conceded equaliser after Mane's sublime opener. They took the blows, rode the storm and played their football. Bayern's stadium, Liverpool's night. Mane was immense, Van Dijk imperious, the Dutchman's performance good enough to get John Henry tweeting. Salah worked like a full-back and delivered the pass of the game, James Milner ran himself into the ground.

Simon Hughes, Independent

As the rain fell in Munich and as the temperatures plunged to below freezing, a cooler Liverpool emerged; this relentless team assembled by Jurgen Klopp delivering one of the club's greatest European away victories. When Virgil van Dijk soared through the Bavarian night to plant a header beyond Manuel Neuer there was no shudder of surprise, it felt right because Liverpool deserved to be ahead for a second time. They deserved to be going through. From his position in the technical area, Klopp was unmoved, with his hands in his pockets, his chin nuzzled into his coat and his hood up; staring at the south west corner of this enormous arena where van Dijk was celebrating way below Liverpool's delirious supporters in the top tier. It should be respected how Liverpool managed this game and this tie overall and the manner of their progression characterises not only a heightened maturity and strength but endorses their status amongst the continent's elite.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.