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Bradley experienced amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment the transfer was finalized to move on from the Reds for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

A dramatic comparison emerged it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance that harked back of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn directed towards Trent via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, reduced to表演 – ineffective dramatics – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, each distribution met with crowd support, vocals celebrating him with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent that there was a new kid on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

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

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on alongside the Spanish squad's backups prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he could avoid the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, including derisive boos that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory in their previous match, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes all of your time since you desperately need to improve the situation, but you also try to maintain your approach and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a standing that will put them direct qualification eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|