Steven Gerrard was the familiar hero as a star-studded Liverpool Legends side edged their Real Madrid counterparts 4-3 at a packed Anfield.
The former Reds captain set up goals for Michael Owen (24) and John Aldridge (49), as well as winning a penalty that Robbie Fowler converted (66), before striking the winner in front of the Kop to settle the sold-out charity fixture.
Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and Clarence Seedorf featured for the visitors but despite a late fightback that saw three goals in the final 10 minutes, Gerrard's 78th-minute half-volley proved decisive.
Fans and former stars alike had paid tribute before the match to another club legend Ronnie Moran, who died this earlier in the week at 83, and Gerrard dedicated the win to his memory.
Anfield's famous No 8 had seemed in the mood from the off, cheered with every touch and then roared as he drove goalwards and teed up Owen to head past Pedro Contreras.
Owen returned the favour moments later, Gerrard's effort well saved, but Reds goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was the busier in the opening period, denying Michel Salgado and Amavisca as well as Figo and Seedorf.
Both sides made substitutions at the break, with player-boss Ian Rush sending on Aldridge, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb and Sander Westerveld, as well as Dudek and Steve McManaman switching sides to play for Madrid.
But Gerrard's influence endured and just four minutes after the restart, his low ball across goal was tapped in at the far post by Aldridge.
Fowler struck the crossbar after deftly taking down a Gerrard delivery before the main seized control again, racing into the box and drawing a rash challenge from Dudek that Fowler punished from the spot.
Gerrard struck the crossbar from 25 yards out but his goal finally arrived 12 minutes from the time, the former England captain controlling a lofted pass with his first touch before smashing past Carlos Sanchez.
But the fixture - in aid of the LFC Foundation - delivered plenty more drama as Real's stars rallied.
Edwin Congo pulled one back from close range (80) and former Liverpool man Fernando Morientes struck just a minute later.
Ruben de la Red then made it 4-3 in the 90th minute but Gerrard's men held on, avenging a 4-2 defeat at the Bernabeu two years ago and thrilling the Anfield hordes in the Merseyside sunshine.