Gerrard shines as Liverpool beat AC Milan

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has returned from injury to inspire a 2-1 win over AC Milan in Real Madrid's centenary tournament at the Bernabeu. Gerrard's swinging free kick on 32 minutes was deflected in for an own goal by Milan defender Dario Simic.

Four minutes later an even better ball from the England midfielder picked out Milan Baros for the Czech striker to direct a fine header past keeper Dida.

Milan pulled one back 12 minutes into the second, Jon Dahl Tomasson turning in from close range after a Cosmin Contra shot was blocked.

Gerrard went off after 70 minutes and Liverpool's attacking intentions left with him. For the remainder of the game they were content to sit back and let Milan come at them.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland had to make a couple of saves but despite the hard work of Andriy Shevchenko up front and Clarence Seedorf in midfield the Italians created little and Liverpool held out comfortably enough.

Liverpool were once again without leading striker Michael Owen but the performance was a step up in class from their sorry showing in a 2-0 defeat to the hosts on Friday.

The difference was largely down to the return of Gerrard, who missed out on the World Cup because of a groin injury. The 22-year-old dominated the midfield before making an exhausted exit but by then Liverpool were ahead thanks to two swings of his right boot in the space of four first-half minutes.

Gerrard's first cross was on its way towards Baros at the far post before Simic intervened to give the Premier League side the lead.

The second goal came from an almost identical move as Gerrard arrowed in another cross from the right. This time the lively Baros needed no help from the defender to head past Dida.

Shevchenko came close to getting a goal back for Milan on the stroke of halftime but his cool side-footer was just wide.

Bayern Munich, who beat Milan 2-1 on Friday, were playing Real Madrid in the final of the pre-season tournament later on Sunday.