MAN CITY LEGENDS 2, PREMIER LEAGUE ALLSTARS 2
Manchester City gave Vincent Kompany a memorable send-off as an array of footballing glitterati gathered at the Etihad in tribute to the Belgium.
And City certainly know how to honour their legends as earlier in the day a road at their training complex was named the Vincent Kompany Crescent after the central defender and captain who made 360 appearances during an illustrious 11-year career.
Kompany, who won more trophies than any other captain in the club’s history, was an integral part of the squad that ended City’s 35-year wait for a trophy with the FA Cup in 2011.
He went on to help City secure four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two Community Shields.
And he finished his City career last season helping them secure the domestic treble.
It was also a measure of how loved Kompany is that more than 51,000 attended his big night, proceeds of which will go towards helping the homeless in Manchester, a charity close to his heart.
Kompany was afforded a guard of honour from both teams as he walked on to the Etihad pitch accompanied by his children.
Of the current City side only David Silva and Sergio Aguero featured as many former favourites returned to the Etihad.
Ironically Kompany missed his own testimonial through injury, something he joked about as he addressed fans before kick-off.
There were seven former United players in the Premier League starting line-up, Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Robin Van Persie.
City took barely 60 seconds to take the lead when Silva released Martin Petrov who cut in from the left before firing high into the roof of the net.
Silva and Aguero only made cameos as both were withdrawn inside the opening half hour.
Joe Hart, back once more in the City goal, showed why he was once so adored with a fine save to deny Van Persie who was clean through on goal.
He was powerless moments later when substitute Robbie Keane swept home the equaliser for the Allstars.
Van Persie put the Allstars ahead early in the second period with a delightful finish after being released by Tim Cahill’s cheeky back heel.
Shay Given, replacing Hart for the second half, made a brilliant save to deny Petrov.
City rescued a draw with a 89th minute goal from Benjani who headed home a Nigel De Jong free kick from eight yards.