A thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge saw Liverpool Legends secure a late 1-0 victory over Chelsea Legends, with Ryan Babel stealing the show with a stunning last-minute winner. Despite the disappointment for Blues fans, the match delivered on entertainment, featuring a brilliant cameo from Eden Hazard and the fiery antics of Diego Costa, who revived his old rivalry with Martin Skrtel.

The decisive moment arrived when Ryan Babel cut inside and unleashed an "Mbappe-esque" right-footed strike into the near post, past Chelsea's substitute goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. Babel's goal was not only a match-winner but also a heartwarming tribute to the late Diogo Jota, celebrated in front of the Liverpool faithful.

One of the most talked-about moments of the game revolved around Diego Costa's unyielding competitive spirit. The former Chelsea striker, known for his confrontational style, reignited his feud with Martin Skrtel. After Skrtel's hard tackle, Costa lashed out with his studs, planting a foot into Skrtel's leg. Tempers flared further as Costa squared up to Skrtel and later clattered into him, earning a yellow card. This rivalry, which dates back nearly a decade with previous bust-ups in the Premier League, was a clear reminder that Costa hasn't mellowed in retirement. Even Eden Hazard commented, "This guy is still the same." However, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo praised Costa's "fantastic personality" and competitive fire, while Babel, despite finding it "unnecessary" for a charity game, acknowledged the natural competitiveness between the two. Post-match, the two rivals seemingly buried the hatchet, posing for a picture on Costa's Instagram.

Eden Hazard, a fan favourite, provided flashes of his old brilliance, terrorizing the Liverpool defence with dangerous dribbling and creating numerous attacks. Though having lost some pace, his mere presence on the ball drew expectant gasps from the crowd, making his return in royal blue a highlight for many attendees.

Before kick-off, both teams paid a touching tribute to Matt Beard, Joey Jones, Diogo Jota, and Andre Silva, who had passed away earlier in the year.

Player performances for Chelsea Legends included Petr Cech (8) with his iconic headguard, offering a safe pair of hands and leadership. John Terry (8) and Gary Cahill (8) formed a rock-solid defensive partnership, making crucial blocks. Florent Malouda (7) showcased versatility at left-back, linking up well and almost scoring with a volley that rattled the woodwork. Claude Makelele (7) effectively broke up play in midfield. Nigerian icons John Obi Mikel (8) controlled the game with great ability, and Celestine Babayaro (5) also featured. Ramires (5) displayed class despite lost pace, while Salomon Kalou (4) was less threatening. Among the substitutes, Joe Cole (7) was particularly impactful, creating chances with silky dribbling, and Loic Remy (8) also looked dangerous, nearly assisting Hazard. Carlo Cudicini (4) in goal for the final minutes faced the difficult task of stopping Babel's powerful strike.

For Liverpool Legends, Pepe Reina (8) made a brilliant first-half save to deny Diego Costa. Martin Skrtel (8), looking unrecognisable with a head of hair, was solid at the back alongside Ragnar Klavan (7). Gregory Vignal (7) provided a composed link between defence and midfield, and Martin Kelly (7) was an attacking threat. Yossi Benayoun (8) was a constant menace, and his late delivery set up Babel's winner. Jay Spearing (6) struggled to create in midfield, while Florent Sinama-Pongolle (4) had a tough day upfront. Substitute goalkeeper Sander Westerveld (8) also made a crucial save to deny Hazard.