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STILL GOT IT

Arsenal legends beat Real Madrid as Jens Lehmann steps up to score winning penalty in charity match

Ex-Gunners keeper made crucial saves before netting the winner as Arsenal legends won 5-3 on penalties against Real Madrid legends at the Emirates

JENS LEHMANN proved he's still got it after netting the winner for Arsenal legends as they beat Real Madrid legends during a penalty shootout thriller.

The charity match took place at the Emirates this afternoon and did not disappoint the 43,558 fans that showed up to watch.

 Jens Lehmann after the match between Arsenal Legends and Real Madrid Legends at Emirates Stadium.
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Jens Lehmann after the match between Arsenal Legends and Real Madrid Legends at Emirates Stadium.Credit: Getty - Contributor

The Arsenal legend line-up consisted of Robert Pires, Davor Suker, Jens Lehmann, Nigel Winterburn and Ray Parlour.

Real Madrid provided willing opposition including Fernando Sanz, Alvaro Arbeloa, Claude Makelele, Ruben de la Red and Fernando Morientes.

Both teams put on a great display for a great cause - the Arsenal Foundation and the £500,000 raised from the crowd will go to the club's Save the Children programme which was started in 2011 and supports youngsters who need it most around the world including Iraq, Syria and Indonesia.

While a few players may have wished they spent a few days in the gym before the game others pranced around like they had never left the pitch.

 Arsenal Legends beat Real Madrid Legends 5-3 on penalties.
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Arsenal Legends beat Real Madrid Legends 5-3 on penalties.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal have raised over £2.5million in partnership with Save the Children since 2011.
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Arsenal have raised over £2.5million in partnership with Save the Children since 2011.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal match shirt in the home changing room.
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Arsenal match shirt in the home changing room.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal shirts hang in the home changing room before the match.
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Arsenal shirts hang in the home changing room before the match.Credit: Getty - Contributor

Tomas Rosicky came close for Arsenal just after the break as he missed netting the ball by a whisker, he spent the entire game keeping the ball under control and applying pressure to the opposition.

And not forgetting referee Mike Dean - who left twitter in utter disbelief that no one else was available for today's game.

The one player that stood out for the crowd this afternoon was without a doubt German goalkeeper Lehmann - his sharp saves and winning goal won the crowd over.

Some even mentioned that Lehmann was showing current Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech how it's done.

 Lehmann doing what he does best - making super saves.
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Lehmann doing what he does best - making super saves.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice and goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson pose in the home changing room.
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 Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice and goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson pose in the home changing room.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Robert Pires congratulates teammate Jens Lehmann at the final whistle of the Legends match.
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Robert Pires congratulates teammate Jens Lehmann at the final whistle of the Legends match.Credit: PA:Press Association
 Today's match saw the capacity at 43,558 in the Emirates Stadium.
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Today's match saw the capacity at 43,558 in the Emirates Stadium.Credit: Getty - Contributor

Despite Madrid dominating the second half the game ended in a 0-0 draw and it was the spot kicks that settled the day.

Lehmann started the shootout by saving from Alfonso Perez and then scored the winning penalty after he had confidently sent away Risicky so he could take it.

The game ended Arsenal Legends winning 5-3 on penalties.

Rania Malki, CEO of Save the Children Jordan said: “Children living in Za’atari have experienced things that no child should ever have to. This innovative programme is helping us reach the most vulnerable children in the camp, particularly those at risk of child labour and early marriage."

“Thanks to Arsenal, we can empower and protect girls and boys through the sport they love.”

 David Seaman was dropped last minute for Jens Lehmann.
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David Seaman was dropped last minute for Jens Lehmann.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal manager David O'Leary during the match between Arsenal Legends and Real Madrid Legends at Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal manager David O'Leary during the match between Arsenal Legends and Real Madrid Legends at Emirates Stadium.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Robert Pires goes down to the floor during the game.
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Robert Pires goes down to the floor during the game.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann shoots past Real Madrid goalkeeper Pedro Contrerasas to score the winning penalty.
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Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann shoots past Real Madrid goalkeeper Pedro Contrerasas to score the winning penalty.Credit: Getty - Contributor

Thanks to Arsenal and Real Madrid legends today not only did they put on a magnificent performance that would give Premier League teams a run for their money but also ensuring that football off the pitch can make a lasting impact on charities supporting individuals who need it the most.

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