Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor O'Neill

Jamie Carragher and Rivaldo bring Liverpool supporters to their feet as Daniel Agger fumes at Luis Garcia

A star-studded Liverpool legends team was beaten 2-1 by Barcelona at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Despite taking the lead through Steven Gerrard’s penalty, the Reds were pegged back when Giovanni raced clear to finish past Sander Westerveld a minute before the break.

Barca then sealed victory in the opening stages of the second half when Rivaldo converted from the penalty spot after Phil Baab brought down Giovanni inside the box. Referee Peter Bankes had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

PAUL GORST: Jurgen Klopp reign could be transformed in just 56 days at Liverpool

READ MORE: Ally McCoist explains why Liverpool are 'increasingly likely' to sell Mohamed Salah

Liverpool tried to respond as Milan Baros, Stewart Downing and Dirk Kuyt all went close. However, there was no way past Xavier Guzman in the Barca goal.

And below are a selection of moments you may have missed from the game at Anfield.

Young Gerrard takes centre stage

As Liverpool’s players emerged to go through their pre-match warm-ups, they were joined by an additional guest. Accompanying captain Steve Gerrard was his son, Lio, who was eager for a kick about.

After exchanging passes with a couple of coaches, the youngster couldn't help but fire a shot into the bottom corner of the Kop net. It could be a sign of things to come. And 15 years from now, the Kop could well find themselves signing the name of another Gerrard.

Late kick-off

Not that anybody inside Anfield seemed to mind, but the game was actually delayed by 15 minutes due to heavy traffic. But such was the carnival atmosphere inside Anfield, the 15 minutes flew by and supporters were soon welcoming both sides onto the pitch.

Dudek couldn’t help himself

As with all Liverpool games played at Anfield, no sooner had both sets of players emerged from the tunnel, You’ll Never Walk Alone started playing. And as always, Reds supporters joined in with many of them raising their scarves above their heads, and as he made his way from the pitch to the bench, Jerzy Dudek couldn’t help but join in too.

Agger fumes at Garcia

There were less than five minutes on the clock when the competitive nature of Liverpool’s players showed. Picking up possession in his own half, Daniel Agger charged forward before looking to release Luis Garcia in behind.

But after the Spaniard failed to read the pass, Frederik Dehu pounced on the lose ball for Barcelona. Agger was less than impressed and made his feelings known to Garcia.

Turn of pace

Avid followers of Sky Sports Football will know that Jamie Carragher now enjoys a boxing workout in the Rotunda gym. And it appears the sessions the former Reds defender has been doing have served him well.

A loose pass from Fabio Aurelio looked to be heading for a Barcelona throw-in, but Carragher sprinted back and after making a lunge managed to keep the ball in play. The moment brought Anfield to its feet as supporters showed their appreciation.

Modern art

A lot has changed in football since many of these players last played for Liverpool, and one of them is defending free kicks.

But showing he keeps up with the modern trends, Carragher laid down behind the wall when Barcelona were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. He needn't have bothered though, as Rivaldo’s effort was comfortably saved by Sander Westerveld in the end.

Garcia plays for both sides

It’s not often a player plays for both sides in the same match, but that is exactly what Garcia did here. Having completed the first 45 minutes for Liverpool, Garcia then replaced Rivaldo 10 minutes into the second-half.

And after leaving one on Jose Enrique, the midfielder showed he was anything but an undercover Liverpool agent. He was later replaced with Barca on their way to victory.

Rivaldo appreciation

Speaking of Rivaldo, he had already received warm applause from Liverpool supporters when putting his side 2-1 up from the penalty spot. But when he was replaced by Garcia, pretty much the whole of Anfield applauded the Brazilian as he headed off, with some even giving him a standing ovation.

No shin pads needed

After completing the first 45 minutes, Carragher was one of 10 changes made by the Reds at the break. But just after the hour mark, the centre-back was again called upon after Phil Babb picked up an injury.

However, the Reds great took to the pitch without his shin pads on. Fourth official Ben Speedie looked to be pulling Carragher up as he made his way onto the pitch, but instead he simply told the former England man to pull his socks up.

McAteer rages at the linesman

As Liverpool surged forward in search of a late equaliser, things began to get a bit desperate from the Reds. Passes began to go astray and unfortunately for Jason McAteer he was unable to keep a Stewart Downing pass in play.

However, the former Reds midfielder believed he did, and couldn’t help but disagree with linesman Ian Hussin after he put his flag up to signal the ball had gone out of play. Clearly not impressed by the call, McAteer could be seen disputing the call with the fourth official as he grabbed a bottle of water a couple of minutes later.

Maxi taking things in

Long after the final whistle had blown, and with Anfield pretty much empty, Maxi Rodriguez took the opportunity to have a wander around the Anfield pitch. First taking pictures on the side, the Argentine, accompanied by two friends, then headed to the centre circle to take a selfie before heading towards the Kop then back down the famous Anfield tunnel.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.