'Ridiculous' was James Milner's choice of description for the Sadio Mane goal that set Liverpool on their way to a stunning 3-1 victory at Bayern Munich.

The Reds surged into the Champions League quarter-finals with a defeat of the Bundesliga giants at the Allianz Arena, kick-started by a piece of outstanding technical skill.

Mane collected Virgil van Dijk’s long pass and artfully shuffled around Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the edge of the box before chipping his finish over two defenders to find the unguarded net.

The hosts levelled through a Joel Matip own goal soon after, but Van Dijk headed the visitors back in front and Mane’s 10th strike in his last 10 appearances sealed victory for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Watch: Extended highlights from the Allianz Arena

“I thought it was a good performance away from home in Europe against a good team,” Milner, who took the captain’s armband when Jordan Henderson was forced off with an injury on 13 minutes, told BT Sport.

“It’s never easy, they are going to have spells on top. We didn’t play our best but it’s about getting a result. We defended pretty well, didn’t give them too much, and the front three were outstanding again.

“Sadio is on fire. The first goal was ridiculous really, how he has finished it off – the calmness and the finish. He is on fire at the moment and hopefully that continues for the rest of the season.”

Liverpool recovered from the loss of their skipper to a twisted ankle in the first half to steadily take control of the decisive second leg in Munich.

And Milner credited the attitude of the entire squad for the manner in which they adjusted following the introduction of Fabinho from the bench.

“It says a lot about the team and the boys on the bench ready to come on, the squad we’ve got,” said the No.7.

“Obviously you work leading up to the game on a plan and how you’re going to play. To lose the captain that early was difficult but we dealt with it well, Fab came on and did very well.

“We’ve got quality all through the squad and that’s what you need when you’re playing against these sorts of teams and in this competition.”