Jurgen Klopp’s side were two goals to the good and then 3-2 up but Bayern came back to win the match, courtesy of a fine injury-time winner from Frans Kratzig. The Reds also suffered an injury blow as Alexis Mac Allister hobbled off.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for Liverpool in just the second minute, while new skipper Virgil van Dijk added a second before the half-hour mark. Goals from Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane made it all square before the break.
Luis Diaz put Liverpool ahead once more in the second half but Josip Stanisic’s goal in the 80th minute pulled Bayern level. The drama was not over as 20-year-old Kratzig produced an excellent half-volley in stoppage time.
Here, Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele runs the rule over the Liverpool stars.
Alisson – 5
There was not much he could do with either of the first-half goals, as Gnabry found swathes of space in behind Liverpool’s defence on both occasions.
Alisson made a commanding stop with his feet to deny Kingsley Coman in the second half, but will be disappointed to concede four times.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
A joy to watch on the ball but questions will be asked over his defending as ever. Liverpool and Klopp clearly have work to do defensively if they are to improve on last season’s disappointing fifth-placed finish.
Joel Matip – 5
Liverpool were undone by one long ball through the defence from Kim Min Jae and Serge Gnabry skipped past Matip too easily for Bayern’s goal.
He was solid otherwise, albeit lost the ball a couple of times.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Easy header put Liverpool two goals ahead on the half-hour mark and this was a commanding display from the new captain.
He is relishing his fresh leadership role but judging by Liverpool’s defensive performance in the first half he has work to do there.
Andy Robertson – 6
His cross for Van Dijk’s goal was a beauty and the Liverpool skipper will relish the new season if corners are this venomous and on point every time.
Came off on the hour mark after a tough battle with Coman following his half-time introduction.
Curtis Jones – 6
All eyes on Jones in the No 6 role after Fabinho and Jordan Henderson’s exits. The 22-year-old is very tidy in possession and played well with the ball at his feet facing his own goal.
Jamal Musiala skipped past him early in the match and his physicality in that role might be a worry.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Will become an important member of Liverpool’s midfield this season but suffered a setback here when he went down clutching his leg late in the first half.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5
It was interesting to see Szoboszlai and Mac Allister play together in midfield, and both will give a new dimension to Liverpool this season. Szoboszlai also put in hard graft defensively, which will please the manager.
Mohamed Salah – 7
An uncharacteristic quiet first half for the Egyptian, but Salah had some good battles with Bayern defender Kim.
Perhaps could have scored early on and failed to generate any meaningful power in the two shots he had. His run and pass for Luis Diaz’s goal were excellent.
Cody Gakpo – 7.5
This could be a sign of things to come, with the Dutchman leading the line and showing what he can do in terms of build-up play.
His goal was a microcosm of that, receiving the ball on the halfway line, playing a quick give-and-go with Diogo Jota, before finishing well with his left foot.
