GOAL!!! Liverpool Legends 0-2 Ajax Legends

15:42, 39

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Derk Boerrigter has been the spark in the Ajaz side today and he has just forced Jerzy Dudek into a strong save from a tough angle.

Michael Krohn-Dehli then sees his shot saved too, Ajax are starting to get some joy once again.

15:38, 35

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Fernando Torres rolled back the years there.

He weaves in and out of some Ajax defenders, even pulling out the skills, but his shot is tame and nothing comes of it.

You could have mistaken Torres of being 10 years younger there!

15:36, 33

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Not too much going on in this one now.

I think the lactic acid is getting in some of their legs now, the game has slowed a lot.

Liverpool should be level, but as they start to get more tired they will start to rue those missed chances.

You can see how much they care about this, it’s very competitive!

15:31, 28

SUBSTITUTION: Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Ajax have made several changes after 28 minutes.

Edgard Davids is one of those who comes on, wearing his famous glasses like he always used to.

Some of those layers look knackered, and I’m not surprised!

Ajax's Edgar Davids runs onto the pitch for an exhibition soccer match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Saturday March 23, 2024. Former England boss Eriksson, who is a lifelong Liverpool fan, disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis in January. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
15:29, 27

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

How have Liverpool not scored there?

First of all, there is big block from Demy de Zeeuw to send Steven Gerrard’s strike from a corner.

Then Martin Skrtel, Fernando Torres, and Maxi Rodriguez all have chances that are either saved or blocked.

Incredible stuff, they are doing everything but score!

15:25, 22

BIG SAVE! Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Maxi Rodriguez now comes close for the hosts.

His shot is well saved from outside the box, and you feel a goal is surely going to come from all this pressure.

Ajax already look out on their feet.

15:20, 16

HIT THE POST! Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

So close from Fernando Torres!

The former Spain international rises from the resulting corner and hits the post with a brilliant header.

That was the closes Liverpool have come so far, the crowd reacts with a big ‘ooooo’.

Not a bad effort from the Spaniard.

Liverpool Legends' Fernando Torres attempts a header towards goal during the LFC Foundation's Official Legends Charity match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday March 23, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Eriksson. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
15:18, 15

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Ryan Babel showing what he can do there.

He goes on a marauding run before earning a corner for the Reds.

Remember, he played against Liverpool for Fulham only five years ago!

Liverpool Legends' striker Ryan Babel shoots but fails to score during the Legends football match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
15:14, 12

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

They might be losing, but whatever happens at Anfield today, it will be special for Sven-Goran Eriksson.

You could see how much it meant to him as You’ll Never Walk Alone was sung, he got a little cuddle from Steven Gerrard – it was a touching moment.

Soccer Football - Friendly Match - Liverpool Legends v Ajax Legends - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - March 23, 2024 Liverpool Legends manager Sven-Goran Eriksson before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Liverpool are starting to put on the pressure.

After holding the ball for a few minutes, Maxi Rodriguez lets flu from distance… but it does not go in. That’s a polite way of putting it.

The pace of this game is better than I expected!

Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends

Ajax survive a scare.

In his heyday, Fernando Torres would have finished that, but he misses the ball completely as it is headed back to him by Maxi Rodriguez.

Had Toress connected, I feel he would have equalised. Either way, that’s better from the home side.

Liverpool Legends' Fernando Torres during the LFC Foundation's Official Legends Charity match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday March 23, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Eriksson. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

GOAL!!! Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends (Boerrigter 2′)

Well, that wasn’t in the script.

Ajax Legends open the scoring after just two minutes through Derk Boerrigter.

The number 11 was left free in the middle to head home for less than six yards out, a great start for the Dutch side.

The Liverpool fans boo, they were not expecting that!

KICK-OFF! Liverpool Legends 0-0 Ajax Legends

Here we go then!

How will both sides fair today, when will the legs start to go?

Let’s hope these two sides can muster some fo their old magic for us today.

Soccer Football - Friendly Match - Liverpool Legends v Ajax Legends - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - March 23, 2024 General view of players and managers from both teams pose for a group photo before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Emotional YNWA

You’ll Never Walk Alone rings around Anfield and Sven-Goran Eriksson looks emotional in the dugout.

It is an emotion-fuelled day, and that was a beautiful moment.

Soccer Football - Friendly Match - Liverpool Legends v Ajax Legends - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - March 23, 2024 Liverpool Legends manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steven Gerrard before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

FAN COMMENT: ‘Our neighbour’s doing a good thing for a great guy’

There is a lot of love from you guys for Sven-Goran Eriksson – it is lovely to see.

Trevor, Everton fan: Our neighbour’s doing a good thing for a great guy, kudos to them for that.

epa11239020 Liverpool Legends manager Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of the soccer match between Liverpool Legends and Ajax Legends in Liverpool, Britain, 23 March 2024. This is the eighth annual legends match, with the money raised from ticket sales going to support the LFC Foundation in their community and education programmes. EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN

Kick-off approaching

That warm-up may have been tougher for some players than others, their legs aren’t the same as they used to be!

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres looked good though, I’m sure they will rekindle their connection again.

We are just a few minutes from kick-off now, I’m looking forward to watching this one!

Soccer Football - Friendly Match - Liverpool Legends v Ajax Legends - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - March 23, 2024 Liverpool Legends' Steven Gerrard during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Soccer Football - Friendly Match - Liverpool Legends v Ajax Legends - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - March 23, 2024 Liverpool Legends' Fernando Torres during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

WATCH: Former England players send messages of support to Eriksson

A lovely, lovely video.

Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis in February and has ‘at best, a year to live’.

Eriksson, who managed England between 2001 and 2006, has received a massive amount of support following the announcement.

Before today’s game, his former England side shared emotional messages in support of the former Three Lions boss.

It is an emotional watch.

Barnes, Rush and Aldridge join Eriksson

While the spotlight is rightly on Sven-Goran Eriksson on this special day, he will not be alone in the dugout.

The 76-year-old will be joined by John Barnes, Ian Rush, John Aldridge on the sidelines. Three Liverpool legends that fancy a break on the bench rather than taking to the turf – which I think is fair enough!

Liverpool Legends management team, Sven-Goran Eriksson and John Barnes ahead of the LFC Foundation's Official Legends Charity match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday March 23, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Eriksson. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Atmosphere building at Anfield

Today is a big day for many Liverpool fans, it may be the first time some of these fans have been to Anfield.

The stadium is a sell-out today, 59,655 fans will be in the ground for the 3pm kick-off.

It looks like everybody is having a lot of fun, one fan has even pulled out the fancy tricks!

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Liverpool fans before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) LFC fans before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ajax Legends line-up

Not bad, not bad at all.

Ajax have come to Anfield with a strong team that includes former Red Jari Litmanen. Ryan Babel will also be able to play the second half for Ajax after completing the first for Liverpool.

Torres hasn’t lost it!

Fernando Torres looks like he still has a lot left in him!

The former Reds number nine looked in fine nick in training yesterday, do you reckon he could still bang them in at the highest level?

I think he could…

Eriksson’s love for Liverpool

The reception Sven-Goran Eriksson has received today has been incredible. You can’t wipe that smile off his face.

This has been a dream of his for a very long time and it all started with his father…

He said: My father was a Liverpool fan, he’s still a Liverpool fan – he still lives – so it came from there,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Then in Sweden they started [a TV show] so every Saturday you could see one game. This is when all the games went on Saturday, so Liverpool, Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sven-Göran Eriksson of Liverpool during the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Proceeds go to LFC Foundation

So, what is this match all about.

The money raised from today’s match go to LFC Foundation Charity, and the proceeds will be used to help schools, inclusive programmes, and much more!

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Liverpool fans before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Eriksson’s Liverpool Legends XI

I am getting flashbacks reading this!

Sven-Goran Eriksson has named his Liverpool team to face Ajax Legends, and there is some firepower in there, that’s for sure.

We have already spoken about the connection between Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, but let’s not forget Maxi Rodriguez and Ryan Babel. They scored more than a few in front of the Kop in their day.

The bench isn’t half bad either… Dirk Kuyt will certainly make a good impact off it!

Liverpool Legends arrive

Look at the smiles on their faces.

I bet every former Liverpool player there today can’t wait to get back on the Anfield turf.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres certainly look excited to be back together again.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres of Liverpool in the dressing room before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Fernando Torres of Liverpool before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Sven-Goran Eriksson: ‘It’s like a dream’

Speaking to the press yesterday, Sven-Goran Eriksson shared his delight at being given the opportunity to lead out the Liverpool Legends side.

It’s like a dream [taking charge of the legends team] and when they [Liverpool] asked I thought it was a joke. But I said: “Of course, I will come,” and it is for charity which makes it even more lovely.

Anfield has maybe the best ­atmosphere in the world and part of that is the song when the players come out: You’ll Never Walk Alone. I’m looking forward to ­hearing it on Saturday.

I’m very h­onoured and thankful to Liverpool that they give me this opportunity.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sven-Goran Eriksson during a press conference at AXA Melwood Training Centre on March 22, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ajax firepower

Ajax have some stars of their own, and their legends will certainly be looking to put on a show today.

Premier League fans, Tottenham ones specifically, will remember both Rafael van der Vaart and Edgar Davids.

We are certainly set to see some good football from these guys today. It’s time to turn back the clock.

Gerrard and Torres link-up again

The nostalgia in this photo…

I remember the times when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were ripping up the league back in the 2000s.

Although they may not have won anything together, they sure made every Liverpool fan smile with how they played.

I feel they both may get some goals today – Torres certainly looked sharp in training yesterday.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Liverpool Legends dressing room before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Sven meets Jurgen

What a lovely moment this is.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s day has started by meeting Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and he had some lovely words to say to the Reds boss.

You can tell by the smile on his face just how happy Eriksson is. It’s nice to see.

Good afternoon

It’s set to be an emotional day at Anfield.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will fulfil his dream of leading out a Liverpool side Legends side including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres as they face off against Ajax Legends in a charity match.

After revealing his dreams of managing the Reds, following his terminal cancer diagnosis, Eriksson will today be stood in the home dugout at Anfield. It will be a truly heartwarming moment when he first steps out of the tunnel.

You can follow all the coverage of the match right here with us at Mail Sport.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Liverpool Legends dressing room before the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Key Updates

  • GOAL!!! Liverpool Legends 0-1 Ajax Legends (Boerrigter 2′)
  • KICK-OFF! Liverpool Legends 0-0 Ajax Legends
  • WATCH: Former England players send messages of support to Eriksson
  • Ajax Legends line-up
  • Eriksson’s Liverpool Legends XI
  • Sven-Goran Eriksson: ‘It’s like a dream’
  • Sven meets Jurgen
  • Good afternoon

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