Steven Gerrard charity match player ratings: Thierry Henry or Luis Suarez - which star of past and present stole the limelight at Anfield?
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher organised a match that revived some great Liverpool memories
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luis Suarez was afforded a hero's welcome on his return to Anfield and won a second-half penalty in front of the Kop in the Liverpool All-Star charity match.
The 28-year-old Barcelona forward was a half-time substitute for Steven Gerrard's team and earned a spot-kick off opposing captain Jamie Carragher, which his own skipper converted in a 2-2 draw in a contest organised in aid of the Liverpool FC Foundation.
Suarez was back at his former home for the first time since his summer move to Spain and was introduced at half-time along with ex-Reds striker Fernando Torres, the two delaying their entrance to appear in unison amid huge roars of support.
While it was unsurprising the Uruguayan garnered such adulation, Torres may not have expected a positive reception four years after he left Merseyside for Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The duo predictably forged a useful partnership for the final 45 minutes and it was Suarez who won the second penalty after he nutmegged Carragher before being hauled down by the television pundit.
It was a pair of strikers still plying their trade in this country who stole the show in the first half.
Liverpool's own Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock with a vicious, swerving hit from 25 yards and it was from the Italian's defence-splitting pass that Didier Drogba rounded Brad Jones and made it 2-0.
Who was our man of the match? Check out our ratings below...
Gerrard, back on the Anfield turf seven days after his rapid dismissal against Manchester United, made no mistake against Pepe Reina from 12 yards to reduce the deficit before half-time and it was his second penalty in the second period that meant it finished all square.
Suarez could not muster up a winning goal as he headed the game's final touch into the side-netting, but the biggest cheer was still reserved for him during the lap of honour.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments