Liverpool, Real legends react after charity match

Matt Stead

Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and other legendary footballing figures spoke after Liverpool Legends beat their Madrid counterparts 4-3 in a charity game on Saturday.

Gerrard created the game’s opening goal for Michael Owen before also laying on another for John Aldridge.

Fowler then made it 3-0 from the spot before Gerrard scored a lovely volley.

Real threatened to stage a comeback after quickfire goals from Edwin Congo and Fernando Moriente in the 81st and 82nd minute, with Ruben De La Red adding a third in stoppage time.

But they could not find a fourth, and Liverpool Legends held on to win 4-3.

Gerrard was the star, and was awarded a penalty in the second half when he was brought down by former Reds team-mate Jerzy Dudek, who like Steve McManaman had a spell playing for both sides in the game.

The Kop called for Dudek to be sent off and Gerrard to take the spot-kick, but neither happened as the referee laughed off the appeals and Robbie Fowler then snatched the ball.

“He was going to take it but I pulled rank on him,” said Fowler, who jokingly gave the fans two fingers as they voiced sarcastic displeasure. “I wasn’t going to give up that chance to score in front of the Kop.”

Gerrard also fired over from an overhead kick but did get his goal soon after, making it 4-0 with a volleyed effort.

Fowler, 41, who also hit the bar in one of his first public appearances since participating in reality TV show ‘The Jump’, said: “Steven is probably the last of us to retire. I think he was nailed on to get man of the match. You knew he would play well and be instrumental in all the good that we did.

“I don’t think anything surprises you. He is a fantastic player.”

Other notable names to feature included Ian Rush, Jamie Carragher, Alan Kennedy, Fernando Morientes, Roberto Carlos and Clarence Seedorf.

Madrid scored late goals through Edwin Congo, former Liverpool player Morientes and Ruben de la Red but ran out of time to complete the comeback.

A game was preceded by a minute’s applause for Ronnie Moran, the long-serving former Liverpool captain and assistant manager who died this week.

Gerrard, speaking pitchside, said: “We’d like to mention ‘Mr Liverpool’, Ronnie Moran and dedicate this victory to him.

“It’s been a difficult week for the current players, the ex-players, the supporters, but none more so than Ronnie’s family.

“So on behalf of everyone at the club, we’re behind them and hopefully today’s victory cheers them up that little bit.”

Luis Figo, who expressed his regret at having never played with Gerrard during their respective careers, praised the Anfield atmosphere.

“It’s always amazing to play in stadiums like Anfield with this atmosphere, even when it’s for a charity game and a fantastic cause,” he said after the game. “We tried to enjoy it as much as possible.”

His thoughts were echoed by fellow Real legend Seedorf, who added: “I absolutely enjoyed it from the first to the last minute.

“The most important thing is to entertain people as much as we can. Seven goals and in the last minutes a bit of tension, it was all good.”

Leo Beenhakker coached the losing side, and he also hailed the “fantastic” crowd.

“Everywhere plays football, but there are some places in Europe that are very special and magic,” he said. “Every time I see matches in this stadium it’s great to see the fantastic crowd.

“It’s very famous in Holland, and every time the whole stadium starts singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, it’s fantastic to see.

“It proves the greatness of football. You play here on a Saturday afternoon with about 22 of these ‘old rockers’ on the field and look at the public.”