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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, so once the fates paired these continental giants together in the Champions League, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match to the Anfield anger provoked by what many supporters consider as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, reduced to表演 – poor theatrics at that – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, each distribution met by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face on the scene, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

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

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up alongside the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the total criticism, the visiting team's manager introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, produced a showing that represented their peak in recent months, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and personality when you are winning.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened denied the Reds their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them in the previous final loss the 2022 Champions League final in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

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