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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display evoking memories from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role currently view him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many supporters consider as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, his name chanted enthusiastically, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face on the scene, establishing him as from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt as he came out alongside the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the total criticism, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery that floated without purpose out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing occurred alongside supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to amplify the support.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, produced a showing which ranked among their finest this season, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes all of your time since you desperately need to change it, yet you attempt to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid in defense as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager selects his roster in the coming matches after being left out recently.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|