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Bradley experienced by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – faced a harsh and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish full-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status presently perceive him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced bearing negative messages before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that supporters consider as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, reduced to表演 – ineffective dramatics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, every pass greeted by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, establishing him as part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one is not for everyone, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on among the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he would miss the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound the crowd referencing players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, delivered a display which ranked among their finest in recent months, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand all of your time since you desperately need to change it, but you also try to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, preventing goals from the midfielder and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

If it was a miserable night for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager selects his roster in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half testing the shot-stopper to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|