Liverpool clean sheet v Bayern could be crucial-Robertson

Feb 21 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich's 0-0 draw at Liverpool in their Champions League last 16 first leg tie on Tuesday put the Germans in the driving seat but they will be under more pressure at home, according to the Premier League club's full back Andy Robertson.

While it proved a frustrating night at an expectant Anfield for Juergen Klopp's side against a disciplined Bayern, they avoided conceding an away goal, which could yet prove crucial.

It means Liverpool can progress with a scoring draw whereas Bayern need to win on the night to reach the quarter-finals.

"We back ourselves to win any game whether it's home or away," Robertson said.

"Going over there, there's a new challenge, there's probably a wee bit more pressure on them than us because they're at home and their fans will start demanding things."

Liverpool's attacking trident of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane was not at its sharpest on Tuesday but Robertson expects a different story in Munich.

"Of course they'll be happier with a clean sheet but a clean sheet at home in the Champions League is so crucial," he said.

"We know that when we go over there one goal counts as a wee bit more than that, and if we can grab one then they have to score two at least.

"These are all things that come into play and with the chances we've got, if we can be a bit more clinical we believe we can score over there."

AWAY FORM

Liverpool will have to improve their European away form, however, after losing all three group games on the road in the Champions League this season.

Bayern are unbeaten in this season's competition and have only lost three of their last 30 home games in the Champions League, all at the hands of eventual winners Real Madrid.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson, who won the Euroepan Cup with the club in 1984, believes the current Bayern squad is not as formidable as in recent seasons.

"I would argue that their current team is quite average in comparison to the ones that have made the Allianz Arena such a fortress in the past five years," he told the BBC.

"It does not really frighten me the way it did in the past with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in full flow."

French winger Ribery was a late substitute on Tuesday after arriving late on Monday following the birth of his daughter, while Dutch winger Robben has been out with a thigh injury.

Bayern produced a magnificent defensive display at Anfield to stifle Liverpool's attacking threats, but Lawrenson said the onus will be on the Germans to commit more in attack to support striker Robert Lewandowski in front of their home fans.

"The tie is perfectly balanced. I'm sure Bayern will believe the scenario suits them, but I would be confident Klopp's side can go there and score, which is another reason why drawing 0-0 is not the worst result in the world," Lawrenson said.

"If they (Bayern) go on the attack at any time, they have to be very wary of Liverpool's threat on the counter."