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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display that harked back from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game to the Anfield anger caused by behavior which supporters consider as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, not only for his performance plus an audible message towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Naturally, the defender, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius so many times one against one proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

At the moment when he could avoid the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results until their recent victory on Saturday, responded with a performance that was easily their best this season, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, saying: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, while also striving to be the same manager and person that you are during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the 2022 Champions League final in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for Trent, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the initial forty-five making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|