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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment he announced his decision to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol during the Reds' showing which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, including his Anfield mural damaged bearing negative messages before the game and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, supporters singing enthusiastically, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent that a new talent had emerged at the club, establishing him as from a previous era.

Expectedly, Bradley, garnered praise of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception heard again as his name called.

And just when it looked he would miss the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing occurred alongside of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory last weekend, delivered a display which ranked among their finest in recent months, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, stating: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention since you desperately need to reverse the trend, but you also try to stay consistent and character during successful periods.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid at the back as the French star was neutralized, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder of his class prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|