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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left after the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing that harked back of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork damaged bearing negative messages ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him passionately, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, establishing him as part of history.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name called.

And just when it looked like he might escape the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as a late replacement as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, responded with a performance that was easily their best during this campaign, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, commenting: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and person that you are amid victories.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing 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 in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, conditions remained unfavorable for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder his quality ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|