'Barcelona and Liverpool class will last forever': Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scores first goal → Gerrard's 'cannonball' equalizer... 'Champions Impact' ends 1-1 in a tight first half (End of first half)

*This content was translated by AI.

Barcelona Legends (team name: Barca Legends) and Liverpool Legends (team name: The Reds Legends) are showcasing their eternal class.

Barca Legends and The Reds Legends played the first half to a 1-1 draw at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 6 p.m. on the 6th during the '2026 Champions Impact in Seoul' event.

On this day, the 'Barca Legends' featured nostalgic stars including Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Deco, Jordi Alba, Eric Abidal, Javier Mascherano, Rivaldo, and Patrick Kluivert.

The lineup of 'The Reds Legends,' composed of Liverpool legends, was equally spectacular. Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun, Sami Hyypia, John Arne Riise, Robbie Keane, and Dirk Kuyt appeared before Korean fans.

Barca Legends, led by Iniesta, threatened the goal first. Alba cut back from the left flank, and Iniesta shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball missed the target.

Since most players have been retired for quite some time, their speed and precision are lower than during their active careers, but this added to the entertainment value. John Arne Riise, playing as a left winger, made a passing error and shook his head in apparent regret.

As the first half progressed, Barca Legends intensified their offense. In the 18th minute, Rivaldo passed the ball to the side near the arc, and Alex Vidal shot, but Yossi Benayoun, the goalkeeper, dove to make a save.

Two minutes later, Quaresma beat defenders with flashy individual skills and shot, striking the crossbar. Shortly after, Mascherano's long-range shot was again saved by Benayoun, who dove to block it.

A memorial time was also held for the late Diego Jota, a Liverpool legend who passed away unexpectedly due to an accident during a hydration break. The audience stood and applauded to mourn Jota.

Barca Legends, who had been on the offensive, finally scored the first goal. Midfield commander Iniesta threaded a precise penetrating pass, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar calmly finished the one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper.

Liverpool, which had been quiet, successfully counterattacked. The hero of the equalizer was 'Captain' Gerrard. In the 33rd minute, Gerrard powerfully kicked a loose ball in a chaotic situation in front of the goal, shaking the net.

However, Liverpool could not gain momentum even after the equalizer. Barcelona's attacking football continued until the end of the first half. In the 42nd minute, Mascherano's shot hit the crossbar and went out, and two minutes later, Iniesta's sharp shot was also saved by Benayoun.

The first half ended 1-1 with Barcelona having the upper hand.

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*This content was translated by AI.