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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, as luck would have it the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork being vandalised displaying critical phrases ahead of the match to the Anfield anger provoked by what many supporters consider as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, limited to dramatic actions – ineffective dramatics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, each distribution met by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance plus an audible message towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, he said. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name called.

Just as it seemed he would miss the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as a second-half change during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

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

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes all of your time because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to maintain your approach and character when you are winning.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, through an outstanding personal display that revived memories when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten by the Argentine's aerial finish following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference barely represents their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure in the last 16 without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder of his class before England head coach selects his roster for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger in the initial forty-five making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|