Steven Gerrard was on target for Liverpool Legends as they defeated Celtic Legends in a charity match at Anfield.
The two clubs came together on Saturday to raise money for good causes as stars of yesteryear pulled their boots on once more to roll back the years. Former Rangers manager Gerrard netted a penalty and Mark Gonzalez scored a second as the home side prevailed in a hotly-contested friendly affair in the Merseyside sunshine.
The event attracted a huge crowd, including a sizeable contingent from Glasgow. Here are five talking points from Anfield.
Competitive streak never goes
The legs inevitably go, the aches and pains will last a few days longer than they used to, but the competitiveness never leaves any of these players. Referee Ben Speedie probably thought he was in for a hassle-free afternoon, but he certainly copped an earful or two when decisions were 50/50.
No prizes for guessing that Gerrard was among the most vocal, and he was first on Speedie’s case over a soft foul on Petrov. That being side, it was an afternoon played out in the spirit of the occasion by both sets of players, a very worthy one at that.
Gerrard on target
He may have Godlike status on Merseyside, but the former Rangers manager was never going to anything other than panto villain as far as the travelling Celtic fans were concerned. But what could’ve been some light-hearted back and forth between the two parties slipped into ugliness when Gerrard had several objects thrown in his direction after opening the scoring from the penalty spot.
It followed the Anfield legend cupping his ears to the Celtic support as he was roundly booed when walking over to take a corner. Regardless of the occasion, Gerrard was never going to be a popular man with the away fans, but him being targeted with missiles was a really quite sour moment.
Familiar faces
These days are always a complete nostalgia-fest and this was no different. There were plenty of familiar faces on both sides – and some wearing Celtic colours for the first time.
The Liverpool squad carried a strong spine with the likes of Martin Skrtel, Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt still well capable of getting around the pitch and playing. Celtic, meanwhile, were led by captain Petrov and the still spritely Joe Ledley and Niall McGinn.
Robbie Keane also pulled double duty - turning out for Celtic in the first period and Liverpool in the second.
There was also a Celtic ‘debut’, of sorts, for Trevor Sinclair who, of course, never pulled on the Hoops during his career but has never hidden his love for the club.
Goals at a premium
The one thing you can usually rely on in a Legends fixture is an avalanche of goals, but this was a largely tight affair with few chances to speak of. Gerrard was first on the scoresheet with a well-taken penalty, sending Artur Boruc the wrong way.
Mark Gonzalez then doubled the hosts’ advantage just moments after the interval, and that was enough to secure them a victory. Mind you, Celtic had two goals ruled out, the first from Darren O’Dea as the offside flag went up, and the second sparing Ragnar Klavan’s blushes as he turned into his own net.
Worthy causes
The occasion was, of course, in aid of a range of charitable causes. Arranged by the LFC Foundation and supported by the Celtic FC Foundation, 100 per cent of the proceeds were donated to helping schools, inclusive sports, social action, health and wellbeing, and food poverty.
These two clubs have enjoyed close ties down the years, and representatives from Celtic and their Foundation also joined their Liverpool counterparts in laying a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial ahead of kick-off.
