Real Madrid in Liverpool - 10th March 2009

I was at Liverpool's very first European tie at Anfield in 1964 (Reykjavik) and so I have been waiting 45 years to see Real Madrid at Anfield. They are one of only two teams in Europe that we HAVE to respect. No point in singing 'Five times' to them - we'd just look silly.

So when the Real fans came and applauded us for our passionate rendition of our anthem before the match, that was a huge compliment. Yes - YNWA is one of sports great rituals but these guys have seen it all - and they were impressed. The mutual respect continued throughout the match and even though we thrashed Real 4-0, their fans took it well, singing Lee-ver-pool at the final whistle. A huge compliment and greatly appreciated: the icing on the cake on a magical night. Gracias amigos.