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Conor Bradley basked by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – faced a harsh and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since he announced his decision to move on from the Reds for Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs together in the Champions League, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning among the reserves, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff to the Anfield anger provoked by what many supporters consider as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, each distribution met with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

Expectedly, Bradley, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out alongside the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception heard again as his name announced.

At the moment when he could avoid the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as a second-half change while attempting to equalize the Reds' margin, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute was savage, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during supporters recalling individuals showing commitment through potential moves to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory last weekend, delivered a display that was easily their best in recent months, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, stating: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Defeats consume all of your time since you desperately need to change it, but you also try to be the same manager and person that you are amid victories.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them direct qualification avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The Reds, contrasting with previous earlier shows, completely secure at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, it was not much better for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|