Chelsea Legends vs Liverpool Legends RECAP: Ryan Babel wins it late for Reds after Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel squared up during charity match

Well that's that, the end of an intriguing and nostalgic afternoon in west London.

After Liverpool Legends ran out 2-0 victors in March over Chelsea's crop of former stars, the Reds made it two-in-two at Stamford Bridge this afternoon thanks to a late strike from Ryan Babel.

As the Dutchman wheeled away, he paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with his 'baby shark' celebration in what was a heartfelt gesture.

We saw Eden Hazard marauding down the wing once more, John Terry donning his iconic no 26 and Diego Costa, well, being Diego Costa.

The Brazilian's display was as fiery as ever, reigniting a bitter of feud of years gone by with Martin Skrtel.

Costa did what only he could do - pick up a yellow card in a charity match. Is anyone surprised?

Thank you all for following the action with us here at Daily Mail Sport.... I'll catch you next time. Adios.

Here's a clip of Eden Hazard well and truly rolling back the years.

The dummy is just obscene, if only he could have slid the finish past the goalkeeper.

A pleasure to watch the great man showing what he can do once again - still can't believe he's only 34.

I know many of you must be wondering why Steven Gerrard wasn't donning the iconic red of Liverpool today.

After all, he played in the last charity game at Anfield in March. And only this week the scouse legend admitted he's 'really enjoyed' lacing his boots up again after retirement.

But he was nowhere to be seen today, and there's a good reason for that.

It's thought Gerrard could be in-line for an imminent return to Rangers.

The ex-Liverpool skipper is understood to have already held meetings with the Ibrox club over a move which would see him return to Glasgow for a second stint.

Gerrard and Danny Rohl are reportedly the front-runners for the role, but Rangers are yet to offer either candidate the job.

Not quite the clean sheet he would have desired, but a good day for Petr Cech nonetheless.

What a keeper he was in his prime, for both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Speaking at half-time today, Eden Hazard said:

In other Chelsea-related news, midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been forced to withdraw from international duty due to 'swelling in his knee'.

The Argentinian has boarded a flight back to the UK, where he's expected to be assessed.

His injury could come as a hammer-blow to Enzo Maresca, who is already contending with a number of absentees.

A word for Roberto Di Matteo on his Stamford Bridge return.

Appointed as Chelsea manager in 2012 on an interim basis, he led the club to a Champions League title. Yet just months later he was axed by Roman Abramovich.

I remember as a kid thinking that was preposterous, and I still do now.

He made his return to west London today and received a great reception from the home support.

Back at the Bridge this afternoon was John Terry, arguably Chelsea's most iconic player.

The Englishman made 717 appearances for the Blues, winning 17 major trophies including five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League,

What a trophy cabinet that is.

He was given a hero's welcome back to Stamford Bridge this afternoon, and waited around on the pitch afterwards to show his gratitude.

Following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in the summer, his former team-mates emulating his 'baby shark' celebration has been a feature of this season.

Ryan Babel, who of course never played with the Portuguese, became the latest player to do so this afternoon.

I thought it'd be fitting to show you some of the best 'baby shark' celebrations from this campaign in tribute to the late striker.

Rest in peace, Diogo.

The football was entertaining, there's no denying that, but the game's best moment came when Diego Costa once again lost his head.

After being clattered by Martin Skrtel, the Brazilian reacted exactly how you'd expect him to - angrily.

He jumped up and confronted Liverpool's Slovak before getting one back on him a minute later with a stupendously late challenge.

Booked in a charity match, who else but Diego Costa?

After netting Liverpool Legends' winner at the Bridge this afternoon, Ryan Babel paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota.

As he wheeled away to celebrate in front of the Liverpool support, the Dutchman pulled Jota's iconic 'baby shark' celebration.

Watch a video of the heart-warming moment below.

That's that - Liverpool Legends have made it two-in-two against Chelsea's crop of former stars.

It was a cagey affair for much of the 80 minutes until Ryan Babel produced the game's first bit of quality at the death.

The Dutchman's low-driven effort on 78 minutes proved to be the winner.

Diego Costa was back to his old ways with tensions high against Martin Skrtel, Eden Hazard showed flashes of his brilliance and John Terry was as solid as ever.

An overall entertaining afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Ryan Babel's won it for Liverpool right at the death!

In front of the away fans, Pennant plays the Dutchman through on the left of the box, he cuts inside and fires an effort with his laces into the bottom corner.

It's a great strike and almost certainly a game-winner with just two minutes to go here.

The game's opening up as we enter the final five minutes.

Both sides pushing for the winner but just lacking that cutting edge.

Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant is far from the most popular star on show at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

After his earlier dive in the box, the Englishman has been the subject of booing every time he's touched the ball.

Eden Hazard is withdrawn as we near the 70-minute mark.

He couldn't get the goal the crowd desired, but a nonetheless exciting performance from the Belgian.

It's a pleasure to see him back at the Bridge.

It's electrifying from Hazard.

The Belgian is fed a ball with his back to goal by Tiago, which he dummies to Loic Remy before making a run in behind.

Remy finds him with a side-footed pass and Hazard's one-on-one, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper.

That was like watching prime Hazard. Great to see.

Jermaine Pennant knocks the ball around Celestine Babayaro, who throws in a slide tackle.

The Liverpool man goes down under the challenge and appeals for a penalty to the referee, who waves his shouts away.

Babayaro not pleased and confronts Pennant for, I assume, diving afterwards.

Small break in play at the Bridge as Jermaine Pennant recovers from a late challenge.

There've been a few big tackles in the second half, you love to see it.

Here's that Hazard rabona from five or so minutes ago...

Malouda hits the post!

The Frenchman is fed a delightful reverse ball from Hazard on the edge of the box, before opening up and letting fly.

His effort looks destined for the top corner, but it strikes the post and flies for a throw in.

The closest either side have come.

Martin Kelly, who announced his retirement from the game this week, comes close to breaking the dead-lock.

The right-back bursts down the right wing and in-behind the Chelsea back-line before firing an effort across goal. It's a sweet strike, but just wide.

My apologies, somehow I've only just spotted that it looks like this game is just 80 minutes long.

Two halves of 40 minutes, to spare some ageing legs.

Okay, it didn't amount to anything, but you've got to love a rabona.

Hazard tries the audacious skill move from the right, but it's straight at Pepe Reina.

Second half has a bit more of an edge to it than the first, largely thanks to Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel.

The second half's just got underway and there are a few changes at the Bridge.

Joe Cole amongst others is on for Chelsea, while Jermaine Pennant has been introduced for the visitors.

Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel's rivalry is very much not one which began today.

Here, Costa is pictured gouging the Slovak's eye during a throwback Premier League clash.

Will they go again in the second half this afternoon? We're about to find out.

The referee signals the end of the first-half.

It was a 45 minutes which, in-truth, didn't ignite until it neared its end.

There was a distinct lack of chances, or entertainment, until Diego Costa rolled back the years.

After being clattered by Martin Skrtel, the pair exchanged words with Costa booked a minute later for very late tackle on the Slovak.

It's just a charity game, but that's what you want to see. Two fierce competitors reigniting an old rivalry.

Hopefully more to come in the second half.

Looks like Costa's not calmed down from the earlier challenge.

The Chelsea forward gets his pay-back with a stupendously late challenge on Martin Skrtel, who falls to the floor.

There's words exchanged once again and Costa's handed a deserved yellow card.

The Brazilian's got that glint in his eye back here, that one where you know he's up to something.

That's what made him the player he was during his time at the Bridge.

Diego, it's just a charity game...

In all seriousness, I actually loved that.

Martin Skrtel throws in a smashing slide tackle on Costa from behind, going straight through the Brazilian.

In classic fashion, the forward jumps up and confronts the Liverpool centre-half, with the pair exchanging words.

That's vintage Costa.

Diego Costa with the biggest chance of the first half.

Ramires slides the Brazilian through who, from a tight angle, fires his effort straight at Pepe Reina.

Some good play from the Blues, the game's improving as we near half-time.

Diego Costa leaps to try and flick a header towards goal, but he doesn't get a proper connection and the ball sails wide.

Just one shot on target so far!

It's just a friendly. In fact, it's a charity game, but Gary Cahill has just thrown in a massive slide tackle.

The Englishman goes straight through Ryan Babel, who's in no man's land near the corner flag.

I reckon Cahill's missed throwing a few of those in, that's a centre-half's bread and butter.

Eden Hazard, that is just class.

The Belgian with a delightful flick around the corner to Costa, whose touch is loose.

Can't help but feel football fans have missed out on a few more years of watching Hazard at the top level. He's 34. I know, I couldn't believe it either.

He's put on a few pounds, but he's still quality.

Little to report from this one yet, both sets of players just getting their touches back so far, it seems.

Bare with me, it's going to improve, I'm sure.

Here's Diego Costa back in blue. Thank me later....

Yossi Benayoun rolling back the years here!

The midfielder with a weaving run into the Chelsea box, doing JT like a kipper, before side-footing an effort straight at Petr Cech.

Best moment of the tie so far!

Ramires with the first effort of the game for the hosts.

John Terry pulls the ball back to the Brazilian on the edge of the box, whose side-footed first time effort sails over the bar.

Always did find Ramires's Chelsea exit, and entire career, a weird one.

All Chelsea at the Bridge, but it's hardly a surprise.

The Blues' side includes Costa, Hazard, Makelele, Terry and Malouda, while Liverpool's consists of Spearing, Babel and Kelly.

Chelsea have had all of the ball in the opening exchanges without creating a real chance.

You can tell Diego Costa's one of the youngest stars on the field here. The Brazilian's bounding about like it's a Premier League game.

If he doesn't score I'll be amazed.

Quiet start thus far.

Aaand we're underway! Stamford Bridge looks around half full for this one, with a healthy Liverpool following in the away end.

Live updates to follow....

Kick-off's edging ever closer here in west London!

Both sets of players have finished their warm-ups and headed back inside to get ready.

Chelsea Legends are out to warm-up and they were welcomed with huge cheers from the fans packed into Stamford Bridge.

John Terry and Eden Hazard showed their appreciated with waves.

The last time Stamford Bridge saw action was last week when, coincidentally, Liverpool travelled to west London.

It was a thrilling match, end-to-end from start to finish, which could have gone either way.

Estevao ultimately won it for the Blues with a last-minute tap in at the far post, sending the Bridge and Enzo Maresca wild. The Italian's hysterical run down the touchline amid celebrations will live long in the memory for Chelsea fans.

Liverpool's Legends will be hoping for a better result today than the club's current professionals managed to muster up last week, that's for sure.

He may be 43 now with his professional playing days well and truly behind him, but Joe Cole's another star who hasn't lost his touch just yet.

I've watched him in a number of charity games in recent years, Soccer Aid for one, and Cole's still a silky technician in that No 10 role.

With Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in front him, I wouldn't put it past Chelsea to score three of four today.

Sorry, Liverpool fans.

The last time these two sets of legends met was back in March at Anfield in front of nearly 60,000.

The Liverpool XI that day featured former captain Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and big Peter Crouch. While Chelsea brought the likes of Robert Huth, John Obi Mikel and Florence Malouda to Merseyside.

Liverpool ran out winners on that occasion thanks to a brace from Crouch, who is sadly not at the Bridge today.

Chelsea's Legends will no-doubt be looking to avenge that loss this afternoon.

How could I forget this maniac? The one and only Diego Costa also returns to Stamford Bridge today.

Believe it or not, the Brazilian actually hasn't retired just yet. He spent last season back in his home-country with Gremio, scoring 7 goals in 20 appearances.

For a 37-year-old, that's a pretty impressive record if you ask me.

Okay, he's of course not the player he once was. The player who bullied Premier League centre-backs for breakfast. But you can guarantee he's still got that competitive edge.

Costa scored 59 goals in 120 appearances for Chelsea... and today, he's back!

I don't know who you're most excited to see this afternoon, but for me it has to be Eden Hazard.

Forget his stint at Real Madrid, what a player this man was during his time in west London.

110 goals in 352 Blues appearances, one Carabao Cup, one FA Cup and two Premier League titles. Oh, and he won the 2015 Footballer of the Year.

Need I say anymore? Hazard terrorised defences up and down the country during his seven years at the Bridge and is deservedly regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest ever players.

Since his 2023 retirement, the 34-year-old's played in a number of charity games, including Soccer Aid, and he hasn't lost it just yet.

Expect him to be one of the best and fittest stars on the park today.

Your travelling squad for today's charity game:

Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina and Sander Westerveld

Defenders: Fabio Aurelio, Gregory Vignal, Igor Biscan, Martin Skrtel, Ragnar Klavan, Stephane Henchoz Martin Kelly

Midfielders: Jay Spearing, Mark Gonzalez, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel

Forwards: Robbie Keane, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Natasha Dowie

Here's the host's full squad for today's clash:

Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini

Defenders: John Terry, Gary Cahill, Marcel Desailly, William Gallas and Jon Harley

Midfielders: Katie Chapman, Claude Makelele, John Obi Mikel. Jody Morris, Ramires and Tiago Mendes

Forwards: Joe Cole, Diego Costa, Gemma Davison, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Eden Hazard, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda and Loic Remy.

It's Saturday once again, my favourite day of the week.

But we've got quite a different afternoon of football in-store for you today. That's right, we're swapping international football for nostalgia here at Daily Mail Sport - it's Chelsea Legends up against Liverpool Legends at Stamford Bridge.

Six months after a team of former Reds ran out 2-0 victors at Anfield over the Blues Legends, the return leg gets underway from 3pm in west London.

Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and John Terry are back at the Bridge, while Liverpool's squad includes Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and Pepe Reina.

Sorry scousers, there's no Steven Gerrard today. We hear he's in line for the Rangers job, which probably explains his absence.

There's nevertheless a host of talent on show and, with all proceeds going to the Chelsea Foundation, the Chelsea Players' trust and the LFC Foundation, it's sure to be an enjoyable afternoon.

So stay with us here to follow all the action!