Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United: Florent Sinama Pongolle completes Reds' turnaround after Mark Gonzalez's equaliser cancels out Dimitar Berbatov's blistering strike during Legends clash at Anfield
- Dimitar Berbatov gave united the lead with a fine finish in the seventh minute
- Mark Gonzalez drew his side level from close range shortly after coming on
- Florent Sinama Pongolle then put the Reds ahead in the closing stages
- Roy Keane, Xabi Alonso and Robbie Keane were among other stars out on show
Liverpool's legends recorded another win over their Manchester United counterparts with a 2-1 victory at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The two sides went head-to-head in the second instalment of the Legends of the North series, after the Reds ran out 3-1 winners at Old Trafford in May.
Goals from Florent Sinama Pongolle and Mark Gonzalez completed a turnaround for Liverpool after Dimitar Berbatov's opener.
Mark Gonzalez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's equalising goal at Anfield
Roy Keane came off the bench in the second half but wasn't able to help his team avoid defeat
Florent Sinama Pongolle scored the winner for the Reds completing a second-half turnaround
United went in to half-time with a one-goal lead, courtesy of a devastating finish from Dimitar Berbatov in the seventh minute.
The cultured striker met the bouncing ball just instead the area, arrowing it into the far corner.
It was a deserved goal as United started out the game the brighter of the two teams, with the Bulgarian making up for an earlier effort which he scuffed his shot into the floor.
Dimitar Berbatov gave the United legends the lead with a fine finish in the early stages
Berbatov is congratulated by his united team-mates after breaking the deadlock in the match
Liverpool were almost level not long after Berbatov's opener when Maxi Rodriguez broke in behind the defence only to see his close range strike repelled by Raimond van der Gouw.
However, Sir Kenny Dalglish's side rallied after making eight changes at the break.
They quickly bagged an equaliser through former Chile international Gonzalez - who also bagged two goals in the first leg at Old Trafford earlier this year.
Robbie Keane had a couple of chances for Liverpool before Jesper Blomqvist saw his header tipped wide by Sander Westerveld.
Former Chile international Gonzalez also scored twice in the game at Old Trafford this year
Robbie Keane had a number of chances to put Liverpool ahead before Sinama Pongolle's winner
Roy Keane came on in the second half but it was Liverpool who scored the winner with an effort from outside the box by Sinama-Pongolle.
Fraizer Campbell managed to have the ball in the back of the net as full-time approached, but the United striker was adjudged to have strayed offside.
The 2-1 win ensured that Liverpool won the Legends of the North 5-2 on aggregate, but with more than 30,000 supporters in attendance, the impact for the charitable causes this event raises money for will no doubt be great.
In the first leg the Manchester United Foundation raised more than £1.3 million, and the money raised from Saturday's match will continue to help people who need it in the North West.
Frazier Campbell thought he had scored a late equaliser only for it to be ruled offside
Manager Kenny Dalglish and assistant Ian Rush applaud the supporters after the game
Xabi Alonso celebrates with Spanish countryman Albert Riera following the final whistle
Scroll down to see how it all unfolded with Sportsmail's live runner...
Another win for the Liverpool Legends!
One minute of added time...
Campbell puts the ball in the back of the net but the offside flag is raised....
Sinama-Pongolle fires the Reds in front!
He finds the bottom right corner with a neat strike and it's nothing more than the Reds desrrve.
Wide.
Berbatov tries to curl one but it goes just wide.
Skrtel can't continue and Keane comes on!
Boos ring around Anfield. We love to see it.
A stoppage in play after a Nasty clash of heads between Campbell and Skrtel.
The Liverpool man came out of it worse.
Ronny Johnsen almost gives United the lead against the run of play.
He meerts Pugh's corner with a strong header but Westerweld is up to it.
Liverpool looking the more likely to score at the moment as Aurelio puts a header off target.
United make a sub as Jesper Blomqvist replaces Poborksy.
Roy Keane still waits on the bench.
30 minutes to go and there's some tired legs out there.
Almost being played at walking pace at the moment...
A couple of changes for united as Eric Djemba Djemba and Kevin Pilkington replace Carrick and Van der Gouw.
Chance.
Robbie Keane's header is spilled by Van der Gouw as Liverpool nearly take the lead.
Mark Gonzalez does it again!
The midfielder, who scored a brace in the first leg, comes off the bench to make an instant impact.
He receives the ball and finds the bottom corner.
Game on.
Eight changes for Liverpool, Robbie Keane, Sander Westerveld, Albert Riera, Mark Gonzalez, Albert Rieria, Luis Garcia, Salif Diao and Florent Sinama-Pongolle all coming on.
Berbatov's brilliant goal the difference.
Close!
Le-Tallec meets Alonso's cross but turns it just wide.
Momo Sissoko has been one of the highlights of this half, flying into challenges like it's a cup final.
The fans are enjoying it, not sure the United legends are...
United playing more positively now after a decent spell from the Reds. Can they get another before half-time?
Voronin is shown the first yellow card of the afternoon after wiping out Pugh.
Heating up!
It's Sissoko and Fletcher again, the Liverpool man with another heavy challenge. Fletcher gets up and gives him a shove.
Over.
Alonso tries one of his trademark long rangers but it sails over the bar.
Sissoko absolutely flies in on Darren Fletcher but does win the ball.
Should answer any questions about how seriously he's taking this.
Close!
Aurelio shows off his old free-kick prowess, Van der Gouw just about managing to tip his strike over the crossbar.
A poor first 20 minutes from the home side, who haven't got going.
Fabio Aurelo replaces him. Big cheers for the full-back.
Liverpool could be forced into an early change here. Bjorn Tore Kvarme is down and requiring treatment on the side of the pitch.
Chance!
Xabi Alonso finds Momo Sissoko in the area but he can't keep is shot down.
Berbatov breaks the deadlock!
It's a fine finish from the cultured striker, who finds the top corner with a volley inside the area.
Another attempt from United, this time Dudek denying Gibson. The visitors looking more dangerous so far...
Berbatov with United's first effort of the game but it's a tame one straight at the keeper.
Liverpool win an early corner but it comes to nothing.
Manchester United and Liverpool Legends helped raise over £1.3 million for the Manchester United Foundation, as 48,777 supporters were in attendance to see the Merseysiders win 3-1 at Old Trafford in the first Legends of the North match.
Despite being level at the break, the clash roared into life in the second period.
Dimitar Berbatov won and scored a penalty to equalise after Luis Garcia's goal, before Mark Gonzalez’s sublime free-kick and late strike earned the win for Kenny Dalglish’s side, ahead of September's return leg.
Not long to go now...
And welcome to the second leg of the legends clash between Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Reds are hoping to follow up their 3-1 victory over the Red Devils in the reverse fixture in May.
Team news to follow with kick-off at 3pm.
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