Steven Gerrard rolled back the years to help Liverpool edge out Real Madrid in the LFC Foundation’s Legends Charity Match.
Gerrard had set the wheels in motion midway through the first half as he teed up ex-Reds team mate Michael Owen to power a header beyond Pedro Contreras.
It was a partnership that almost bore fruit again moments later as Owen fould John Arne Riise but his shot into the turf could not find a way past the Real stopper.
At the other end, Jerzy Dudek had to be at his best to deny his former club on a number of occasions, most notably from Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf.
Further goals were to follow after the interval as Owen, Dudek and Steve McManaman all turned out for the current European champions.
But it was Liverpool who struck first as John Aldridge stroked the ball home from close range in front of the Kop courtesy of a cut-back by Gerrard.
Anfield’s former captain provided further chances to the Republic of Ireland international in quick succession but he fluffed his lines on both occasions.
Gerrard was at the heart of everything Liverpool did, driving them forward and should have had a goal himself from a brilliant long-range strike.
Frustratingly for both the 36-year-old, the woodwork denied him.
It was the same story for a fellow Scouser as Robbie Fowler saw his own shot cannon back off the upright.
Hopes of Gerrard rounding off his first return to Anfield with a goal himself appeared increasingly likely after he was hauled down by Dudek after racing clear in the penalty area.
Unceremoniously, Fowler stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake despite the Pole’s best attempts to recreate his Champions League-winning heroics.
A Gerrard goal was finally forthcoming in the closing stages of the game as he rounded off a man of the match performance, dedicated to the late Ronnie Moran, with a volleyed finish.
Los Blancos, however, had other ideas.
Edwin Congo, one-time Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes and Ruben de la Red pulled back three goals in the space of 10 minutes to step up a tense finale.