The anthem that is inextricably linked to Liverpool was once sung by the home fans at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
In early 2023, Liverpool and Real Madrid met at Anfield for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Before the match, the Reds had placed a bouquet of flowers in the area where Madrid fans were sitting in tribute to Amancio. Amaro, a former star of the Spanish club who had recently passed away. The game then continued, with the visitors stunning the home side by winning 2-5 after being two goals down.
Attention then turned to the second leg in Madrid and at the end of the match in the Santiago Bernabéu the famous song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' came over the public address system. The answer to why was quickly revealed.
Respect from Real Madrid and Liverpool
After securing their safe passage to the quarter-finals with another win in the Champions League, Madrid's players left the pitch as the fans, both sets, continued to sing that iconic anthem. Liverpool's players stood and applauded from the section at the top of the north side of the stadium.
“It was a nice gesture from Liverpool at Anfield,” explained legendary player Emilio Butragueño, now PR director of Los Blancos. “Our honorary chairman had passed away and they made a wonderful gesture. It's the least we could do.
“Clubs at this level show their greatness with these things.”
The approximately 2,000 Liverpool supporters who came to the Bernabéu caused no adverse incidents before the match and shared moments of affection with the local Real Madrid fans. They expressed their gratitude to their hosts for the gesture by singing “You'll Never Walk Alone” with their scarves outstretched.
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