Liverpool Legends welcomed their Ajax counterparts with Sven-Goran Eriksson taking pride of place in the home dugout at Anfield, fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process to make what is always a special occasion, all the more memorable.
Not only was today about gathering and celebrating those who enriched our lives in years past, plus the touching Sven note, but it’s also about raising valuable funds to allow the LFC Foundation to continue its incredible work across our city.
With the likes of Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Fernando Torres and of course, Steven Gerrard in situ, Sven had plenty of options to choose from when it came to selection.
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The XI named for the Reds was: Jerzy Dudek, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio; Maxi Rodriguez, Momo Sissoko, Jay Spearing; Ryan Babel, Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard.
After an emotional welcome to a packed-out Anfield and a perfect You’ll Never Walk Alone, the action commenced and it was Ajax spoiling the party by taking an early lead.
Torres slipped at the vital moment following an impressive build-up around the area before Liverpool totally dominated proceedings for the next half an hour without levelling the scores.
Shortly before halftime, it was the visitors who got the next goal following a well-worked move, a sucker punch for the Reds of seasons past after a dominant display.
Into the second half, Sami Hyypia, Djibril Cisse and Dirk Kuyt were among those who entered the fray as Liverpool attempted to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second 45.
Second-half comebacks have been par for the course for Liverpool this season and the Legends were no different with the power of Anfield and shooting at the Kop behind them, goals from Gregory Vignal, Djibril Cisse, Nabil El Zhar and finally, on perhaps the fifth time of asking, Torres, completing an incredible comeback.
There was still time for some Gerrard wizardry, a masterful display of defending from Sami Hyypia and a pitch invader sprinting toward Stevie G for a selfie before being escorted away from the pitch.
The final whistle went on a wonderful occasion for an amazing cause, made all the more special with the presence of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
To donate to the LFC Foundation – Liverpoolfc.com/donate
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