Liverpool vs Bayern Munich: Everyone loved Fabinho but did Sadio Mané let the side down?

Liverpool are fresh off their 0-0 Champions League last 16 draw with Bayern Munich, and while everyone loved Fabinho did Sadio Mané let the side down?

Due to Dejan Lovren’s injury and Virgil van Dijk’s suspension, Fabinho was forced to play as centre-back for the Reds, who lined him up alongside Joel Matip.

Despite being in unfamiliar territory, the summer arrival had an excellent game. His challenge on Robert Lewandowski was superb and almost certainly saved Liverpool a goal.

And it’s for that, among other things, that Fabinho is being praised. The Independent gave him an 8/10 match rating while the Guardian and the Echo handed down a pair of 7/10s.

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The local newspaper pointed out his excellent challenge of Lewandowski as a moment of praise, while adding that the Brazilian worked hard all night. The Guardian also held Fabinho’s passing from the back in high regard, while the Indy was impressed with his work rate.

One player who didn’t have an evening to remember was forward Mané, who missed a few crucial chances throughout the game. The Independent was particularly harsh on the Senegal international and graded his performance as a 5/10 as they criticized his finishing ability.

Both the Liverpool Echo and Guardian were kinder, giving Mané 7/10. However they both agreed that the attacker should have had the ball in the back of the net.

Among the rest of the side, Naby Keita put in a good shift has he continues to show flashes of the player he was during the 2017/2018 Bundesliga campaign. One particular moment delighted Liverpool fans.

Jordan Henderson also had an excellent game as he raised the bar for the Champions League and reminded everyone watching what a good player he is.

While Lovren may have been injured, he still managed to get in on the media action as several fans questioned his Red Riding Hood style as the defender watched the game from the stands.