Liverpool could take no lead to Munich after a goalless European Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield on 8 April 1981. Walter Junghans twice denied Kenny Dalglish, while Bayern threatened a goal of their own when Kurt Niedermayer struck the crossbar.
Bob Paisley fielded the side which had won the League Cup replay a week earlier, with Ian Rush alongside Dalglish. Graeme Souness remained absent with a back injury, and Liverpool suffered another setback when Terry McDermott dislocated a thumb early on.
Dalglish had two good opportunities in the opening half-hour. Rush supplied the first; Ray Kennedy headed the ball down for the second. Junghans saved both shots. Bayern defended the spaces around their penalty area closely, leaving Liverpool with few clear openings after that early spell.
The visitors also carried a threat on the break. Niedermayer's shot hit the bar before half-time, underlining the danger of conceding an away goal while pursuing a home advantage.
Steve Heighway replaced McDermott for the second half. His introduction offered more width, but Liverpool still struggled to turn their attacks into chances. Bayern's defence held firm before a crowd of 44,543.
The return was set for 22 April. Liverpool had been frustrated at home, but their clean sheet mattered: a scoring draw in Munich would be enough to take them through on away goals.