Liverpool have been no stranger to iconic European nights, with Steven Gerrard often playing a big part in them.
Whether it be his Olympiacos screamer or his Istanbul heroics, the Reds icon has a long list of dazzling moments in the Champions League.
There is however one European night in particular that is often forgotten when reflecting on Gerrard’s career, and that is Liverpool’s 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid back in March 2009.
Photo by ben radford/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by ben radford/Corbis via Getty Images
Steven Gerrard and Liverpool dominated Real Madrid at Anfield
Liverpool and Real Madrid have had a number of iconic encounters in Europe – with their 2009 matchup no doubt still living fresh in the minds of Reds supporters 16 years to the day.
The two sides would meet in the last 16 of the Champions League, with Los Blancos visiting Anfield, 1-0 behind in the tie – after Yossi Benayoun’s winner at the Bernabeu.
With the likes of Raul, Sergio Ramos and Arjen Robben lining up for Madrid on the night, many expected a tough evening for the Reds. That, however, would not be the case, with Liverpool running rampant at Anfield in a 4-0 win.
Fernando Torres would open the proceedings before two goals from Gerrard, with the night then being beautifully capped off by a late goal from Andrea Dossena.
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The likes of Torres and Javier Mascherano would dazzle on the night, but it was Gerrard’s performance that would ultimately catch the attention of Madrid.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho tried to sign Steven Gerrard for Real Madrid in 2010
Former Madrid manager Benitez labelled Gerrard as the best he’s coached and it seems like Los Blancos also recognised the Liverpool legend’s talents after their Anfield demolition.
A year on from their Merseyside defeat, Madrid would actually try to sign Gerrard – with Jose Mourinho targeting a move for the midfielder.
Speaking with former teammate Jamie Carragher, Gerrard reflected on the Madrid interest in 2020, claiming the Spanish giants wanted him to force through a move.
“I think if all the Chelsea stuff didn’t happen and Mourinho, when he came for me around 2010, maybe you look back and think: imagine playing for Madrid for a year or two,” Gerrard said on The Greatest Game podcast.
“Imagine going and playing for Mourinho in the Champions League – that would’ve been an unbelievable experience. Of course it would. But it didn’t happen.
“Basically, Madrid wanted me to cause a war at Liverpool to get out. That was the only way that could’ve happened.”
“The captain, I remember you telling me about on the pitch. Raul – we beat them 4-0 and he said afterwards, ‘Will you join?'” Carragher recalled in the podcast.
“I’m not sure if it was a full tapping [up] but there was some kind of little… There was a bit of flirtation. It wasn’t major,” Gerrard replied.