Steven Gerrard aimed a cheeky dig at Liverpool's Merseyside rival Everton after discovering the story behind Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente naming his dog "Anfield."
Steven Gerrard, working as a television pundit for TNT Sports ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid
Steven Gerrard aimed a cheeky dig at Everton during commentary of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard gave the perfect response to hearing Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente's dog is called "Anfield" by aiming a cheeky dig at bitter rival Everton.
Andoni Iraola' s men kicked off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night against the La Liga giants in a repeat of last season's opening European clash. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they quickly conceded to the visitors, and it was, of course, Llorente with the goal.
The 31-year-old first had Liverpool's number back in the 2019/20 season when he scored twice to knock the Reds out of the competition in the round of 16. Following that result, he went on to name his dog "Anfield" in tribute to his goals on a momentous night.
In every meeting Liverpool has had with Atletico since in which Llorente has scored, the story of his dog has been brought up. That's exactly what happened after he opened the scoring on Wednesday night, having got in behind Milos Kerkez before finding the net.
When it was discussed shortly after halftime on TNT Sports commentary, Gerrard made the hilarious joke that he'd call his dog Goodison. Throughout his playing career, the former Reds captain scored 10 goals at the stadium, which Everton has now vacated in order to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Interestingly, though, it is a team Gerrard has managed in Aston Villa that he scored the most goals against (12) during his playing career. Everton comes in a close second with nine, followed by another rival in Manchester United on eight.
Fortunately for Liverpool, though, Llorente's early strike was not the deciding goal on the night. Before halftime, the Reds were back on level terms courtesy of a fine finish from Dominik Szoboszlai, with summer loan signing Ronald Araujo providing the assist.
After the break, another midfielder in Alexis Mac Allister produced the winning goal, and it was an impressive strike from the Argentina international. Despite a nervy end to the game as the home side clung on to its slender lead, Iraola's Champions League debut ultimately ended in a promising victory.
Marcos Llorente
Marcos Llorente named his dog 'Anfield'
It was not without concern, however, as new big-money signing Bradley Barcola went down holding what appeared to be his calf in the second half. He was subsequently replaced by Victor Munoz, but supporters will hope it's just a case of cramp rather than anything more serious.
Next up for Liverpool, the Reds return to Premier League action this weekend with the visit of Fulham at Anfield. Next week, Tottenham comes to town as Liverpool is set to get its Carabao Cup campaign underway.
In Europe, the remainder of Liverpool's league phase will see the Reds take on LASK, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Club Brugge, Porto, Lens and Inter Milan. The aim will be to secure qualification for the knockout rounds without having to contest a playoff.