Owen Hargreaves believes that Joshua Kimmich’s sending off in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout round between Liverpool and Bayern Munich could end up dictating the tie altogether.

Kimmich, who is the highest assist maker alongside Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard’s in Europe’s top five leagues is set to miss the next leg at the Allianz Arena after picking up two yellow cards.

The 24-year-old is a massive part of the Bayern lineup on both ends of the pitch. He, unfortunately, made a rash decision of taking down Sadio Mane on the left which made the referee pull out a second yellow and subsequently a red card.

Hargreaves told BT Sports coverage, “That yellow card really could change everything because they’re going to need to score at home, and he’s their greatest source really of assists. It’s a big big loss. Rafinha will play who is very trusted but he doesn’t give the attacking threat that Kimmich does.”

“Liverpool were favourites before the game, and they’ll be favourites still in the return leg because Bayern have struggled this season.”

“But still don’t underestimate this Bayern team. Lewandowski was so quiet today, rarely do you see him have that little effect on the game, he’ll play better. Didn’t get much service, I don’t think they came to score – they came to control the game, controlled possession.”

See Also: Georginio Wijnaldum Believes Liverpool’s Clean Sheet Against Bayern Munich Could Be The Deciding Factor In The Second Leg

Klopp takes surprise positive from Liverpool’s goalless draw against Bayern

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