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Liverpool FC Legends edged Chelsea Legends 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, thanks to a late strike from Ryan Babel. The former Netherlands international capped off a sharp counter-attack to give the Reds another memorable win, following their 2-0 triumph over the Blues at Anfield earlier this year.
The charity clash brought together familiar faces and footballing greats, but it was Babel’s composed finish that proved decisive, ensuring another special night for Liverpool supporters and a successful fundraiser for a worthy cause.
A Match for a Good Cause
Beyond the nostalgia and competition, the fixture carried a meaningful purpose. All proceeds from the match, organized in partnership with Forever Reds, will support the life-changing community projects run by the LFC Foundation and Chelsea Foundation.
The game began on a touching note with a minute’s applause in memory of Matt Beard, Diogo Jota, and Andre Silva, creating a moment of unity and reflection among players, fans, and staff from both clubs.
Early Chances and a Tight First Half
Liverpool’s coaching team of Ian Rush, John Aldridge, Phil Thompson, and Sammy Lee sent out a strong lineup that quickly found its rhythm. Yossi Benayoun looked sharp in midfield and almost put the Reds ahead early on. With his trademark quick feet, he danced through Chelsea’s defense but was denied by a solid stop from Petr Cech, who looked as dependable as ever between the posts.
Chelsea Legends also had their moments. Eden Hazard, still as tricky as fans remember, created an opening for William Gallas, but Martin Kelly reacted well to block the shot. At the other end, Liverpool’s Igor Biscan came close to connecting cleanly with Florent Sinama-Pongolle’s cross, but Florent Malouda did enough to put him off.
The tempo stayed high, with both sides playing at an impressive level for a legends’ fixture. Pepe Reina reminded fans of his reflexes with a fine save to keep out Diego Costa, who was later booked after a fiery exchange with Martin Skrtel following a tough tackle. The first half ended goalless, but it was packed with quality and competitiveness from two squads full of experience and pride.
Liverpool Step Up After the Break
The Reds came out stronger in the second half, looking to turn their control into goals. Ryan Babel was central to much of their attacking play. Just minutes after the restart, he set up Martin Kelly, whose low drive whistled just wide of the far post.
Chelsea then came close themselves when Malouda unleashed a fierce shot from 20 yards that smacked off the outside of the post. It was a warning sign that the hosts weren’t going away quietly.
With Sander Westerveld replacing Reina in goal, Liverpool needed fresh focus at the back. The former Dutch keeper was immediately called into action, producing an excellent save to deny Hazard, who seemed destined to score. Moments later, John Terry almost found the net with a looping half-volley that landed on the roof of the goal, drawing cheers from the home crowd.
Babel Breaks the Deadlock
As the clock ticked down, Chelsea pressed harder, but it was Liverpool who struck on the counter. Jermaine Pennant, who came on for Sinama-Pongolle, led a quick break from midfield. Spotting space ahead, he fed Ryan Babel on the left flank.
Babel cut inside with confidence, took one look at goal, and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner past Cech. It was a clinical finish that rolled back the years and sent the traveling Liverpool supporters into celebration.
In a touching gesture, Babel then honored Diogo Jota by performing the Portuguese forward’s famous Baby Shark celebration in front of the away fans. It was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the day respect, fun, and togetherness, all wrapped up in a piece of football nostalgia.
Chelsea Push Late, But Reds Hold Firm
After conceding, Chelsea Legends pushed for an equalizer. Hazard continued to probe, Costa battled for every ball, and Terry ventured forward in search of a late goal. But Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by Skrtel, Ragnar Klavan, and Fabio Aurelio, stood strong.
In the closing stages, manager Ian Rush made a series of substitutions to give every player a taste of the action. Jason McAteer, Stephane Henchoz, Emile Heskey, and David Thompson all helped the team see out the remaining minutes with professionalism and composure.
Despite Chelsea’s efforts, they couldn’t find a way past the well-organized Liverpool back line. The final whistle was met with smiles and applause from both sets of fans, who had enjoyed an afternoon of entertaining, good-spirited football.
The Final Score and Full Squad
Final Score: Chelsea Legends 0 – 1 Liverpool Legends
Goal: Ryan Babel (late second half)
LFC Legends lineup:
Reina (Westerveld, 65 (Kirkland, 88)), Skrtel, Klavan, Vignal (Gonzalez, 90), Kelly, Aurelio, Spearing, Biscan (Henchoz, 60 (McAteer, 75)), Benayoun (Gonzalez, 46 (Benayoun, 80)), Babel (Dowie, 60 (Babel, 80)), Sinama-Pongolle (Pennant, 46).
A Night of Memories and Meaning
For many fans, these Legends matches are more than just a chance to see familiar faces back in action. They’re a celebration of football’s shared history and community. The rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea might be fierce on the pitch, but events like this show how the sport can unite people for a good cause.
Both clubs’ foundations continue to make a huge difference in their local communities, focusing on education, mental health, social inclusion, and youth development. Matches like this raise vital funds and awareness for those efforts, ensuring that football’s legacy extends far beyond the 90 minutes.
Babel’s Moment Sums It Up
Ryan Babel’s winning goal will be remembered not just for its quality, but for the joy and connection it represented. He played with the same passion that defined his time at Liverpool, showing flashes of pace and technique that thrilled supporters during his Anfield days.
His celebration for Jota added a personal touch, reminding everyone that football is about people teammates, families, and fans who share in the highs and lows together.
Conclusion
Liverpool Legends have now done the double over Chelsea Legends in 2025, following their 2-0 win at Anfield earlier in the year. Their performances continue to draw strong crowds and support important causes, while giving fans the chance to see their heroes relive moments of brilliance.
For Chelsea, there was plenty of encouragement despite the loss. Players like Hazard, Malouda, and Terry showed flashes of their trademark class, and the atmosphere throughout the match reflected mutual respect between the two sets of legends.
As the players waved to the crowd and swapped shirts at the end, it was clear that this was more than just a result. It was a celebration of football, friendship, and giving back a perfect reminder of what makes the beautiful game so special.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com