LIVERPOOL have beaten Chelsea 1-0 in a star-studded legends game at Stamford Bridge.
Ryan Babel rolled back the years to score a late winner as the Reds icons added to their victory from March when Peter Crouch scored twice in a 2-0 triumph.
Chelsea had an incredible squad with Petr Cech, John Terry and Eden Hazard among those called up by boss Roberto Di Mateo.
Diego Costa led the line for the hosts, and in typical fashion, stole the show when losing his temper and getting booked when coming together with old rival Martin Skrtel.
All proceeds raised from the charity match support the incredible work done by both the LFC Foundation and Chelsea Foundation.
Chelsea squad: Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Marcel Desailly, William Gallas, Jon Harley, Katie Chapman, Claude Makelele, John Mikel Obi, Jody Morris, Ramires, Tiago Mendes, Joe Cole, Diego Costa, Gemma Davison, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Eden Hazard, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Loic Remy
Liverpool squad: Pepe Reina, Sander Westerveld, Chris Kirkland, Fabio Aurelio, Martin Kelly, Ragnar Klavan, Martin Skrtel, Jason McAteer, Yossi Benayoun, Jay Spearing, Ryan Babel, Natasha Dowie, Gregory Vignal, Igor Biscan, Stephane Henchoz, Mark Gonzalez, Florent Siname-Pongolle, Jermaine Pennant
Player ratings
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players from yesterday’s legends match.
Hazard terrorises Reds defence but Babel seals win
Babel speaks
Hear from yesterday’s match-winner Ryan Babel below…
Hazard terrorises Reds defence again but Babel’s Mbappe-esque winner seals win
Ryan Babel was quiet for the most part during the legends match, but stepped up when it mattered most, cutting inside and rattling an Mbappe-esque shot into the near post past Carlo Cudicini.
Just when it looked as though Gary Cahill had his number, he shocked everyone on the break and continued to be impressive after scoring.
A heartwarming moment as he paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with his celebration in front of the travelling supporters.
‘I miss playing football’ – Hazard
Eden Hazard returned to Stamford Bridge yesterday, six years after leaving for Real Madrid.
The Belgian retired from professional football in October 2023.
Speaking after yesterday’s legends match, Hazard said: “I think I can still play a bit. It’s been two years since I stopped but it’s always good to be back here at the Bridge with all the fans.
“I miss playing football, I miss playing football in a big stadium like today, but I play in the garden with my kids so it’s okay!”
Old rivalries reborn
Tensions flared between Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel during yesterday’s legends match.
We were getting flashbacks from 2014..
Hazard back at the Bridge
SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield gave Eden Hazard a 9/10 for his performance in the legends match yesterday.
The winger caused trouble all day long for the Liverpool defence, showing flashes of the dangerous dribbling that frightened Liverpool back lines more than anyone else over the years.
Has certainly lost a yard (or five) of pace in retirement, but drew an expectant gasp from the crowd when he picked up the ball, as he always did, and created a number of attacks for his side.
Worth coming just to see him back in royal blue at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool star retires
Some fans may have been surprised to see Martin Kelly in the Liverpool line-up this afternoon.
The one-time capped England star never officially announced that he had hung up his boots.
But the chance to play in a legend’s game helped him firm up his decision to call it a day.
Forgotten one-cap England star announces retirement after year unemployed
Cahill on Costa
Gary Cahill said this about Diego Costa before the game… and it is safe to say he lived up to expectations.
He said: “Diego looked quite sharp [in training]. He’s as excitable as ever, an absolute character, he’s a madman.
“His English is still not great, but what a guy.”
Today, 02:00By Alex Smith
Classy gesture
Eden Hazard made a young supporter’s day. A class act.
Today, 02:00By Alex Smith
11 years in the making
Diego Costa has grabbed the headlines thanks to his bust-up with Martin Skrtel.
The former Blues striker lost his temper after a crunching tackle from the Slovakian no-nonsense defender.
Costa appeared to try to kick Skrtel before charging after him and squaring up.
The referee gave Costa a yellow card.
It comes a decade after their previous scraps on the pitch during their Premier League days.
‘Most Diego Costa thing ever’ – Chelsea legend kicks Skrtel before shock lungs
A day to remember
Liverpool ace injured on international duty
Away from the legends game, news broke earlier today that Ibrahima Konate has pulled out the France squad.
The centre-back has a right quadriceps injury and has been receiving “treatment and following protocol” since joining up with his international team-mates.
Kalou’s new venture
Salomon Kalou has a surprising way of keeping busy in retirement.
The Ivory Coast star played in the match today, which means he had some time off from running his chocolate company Oume.
Kalou hopes to see it on the shelves of UK shops soon.
Chelsea Champions League winner Kalou reveals surprising new business venture
11th Oct 2025, 21:35By Alex Smith
Garden of Eden
Roberto Di Matteo was delighted to be reunited with icon Eden Hazard this afternoon.
The former boss said: “He was a special player. I think from the first minute he wore the Chelsea shirt, everybody fell in love with him.
“You could see the talent he had, even though he was only 19 back then.
“He showed his capabilities and his qualities over the years and had a very successful stint here with us.
“Thank you to him that he came today and showed again some of his qualities.
“I think the people absolutely loved seeing him on the pitch for Chelsea today.”
‘Connected for life’
Roberto Di Matteo spoke about his iconic Chelsea squad which won the 2012 Champions League as he returned to the dugout today.
Di Matteo said: “When you win a competition, a trophy, it connects you for the rest of your life.
“Every time we get together, it’s a great feeling and a lot of emotions to see these players again that managed to lift the trophy with the big ears!
“They always turn up when we call them for these sort of games.
“They love to come back and put the blue shirt on.
“We’ve created a lot of memories for the players and for the supporters as well.
“Overall, it’s a wonderful day today to see all these guys again. I wish them all good health.”
Friends again?
Diego Costa has just took to Instagram to post this snap alongside his rival Martin Skrtel.
The tough guys appear to be mates… for now
LIVERPOOL10 months ago