Saturday’s charity match was the first legends’ game since Jota’s tragic passing in the summer, and Anfield, as it does at every Liverpool game, paid its respects

Liverpool legends’ game against Dortmund paused briefly on the 20th minute for both sides to applaud in memory of the late Diogo Jota.

As is customary in the 20th minute of every Liverpool home game, fans stood up to clap in for Jota, who passed in July. The referee then instructed the ball to be kicked out so all players and the coaching staff could pay their respects.

Jurgen Klopp, the man who brought Jota to Liverpool, looked particularly emotional on the Anfield bench. Thiago, a former team-mate, was brought to tears.

This is the first legends’ match that has been held since Jota’s death last year, and Klopp has spoken of the clubs’ immense grief on several occasions. Among those playing for Liverpool included Steven Gerrard, Thiago and Ryan Babel.

Earlier this week, ex-team-mate James Milner was asked about Jota on The Rest is Football podcast.

“We were pretty close,” said the Brighton midfielder. “When you have team-mates, and that team spirit, and the amount of time you spend together. He was one of us straight away, always sat on our table, he was such a great guy.

“He bought into English football and English culture, and could have a joke. And boy could we argue and joke.

Liverpool fans have paid tribute to Diogo Jota throughout the season(Image: (Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))

“We were always having a mess-around, we were both so stubborn, had so many fun times winding each other up. Used to work with him in training when you’re in twos.

“You can’t put into words. His family. As a player, as a guy, so loved. He was one of those guys who could sit with anyone and get along and have a laugh with him.

“So underrated as a player. He was my favourite player to watch as a fan watching football. He was so clever with how he’d use his body, even when he wasn’t receiving the ball he’d block someone so the next guy had time on the ball. Body positions, rolls, touches, finishes. He was so clever.”

Liverpool led 1-0 at the time the ball was kicked out, with Thiago scoring via a well-timed near-post sliding finish.

Jay Spearing, not a man famed for his finishing during his playing career, made it 2-0 not long before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box.

Saturday’s game at Anfield was the ninth organized by the LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity.

The LFC Foundation aims to tackle social inequality at home and overseas. It focuses on improving health, championing learning and enhancing employability opportunities for all. The latter is the primary drive of this year’s game, with the funds from the 61-000 sell-out attendance to be donated to support employment programs.

Over 145,000 people were supported by the Foundation last season.