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Conor Bradley basked by the full force of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after his departure was confirmed to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs together in the Champions League, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury provoked by what many supporters consider as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – confronting the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display plus an audible message towards Trent announcing a fresh face on the scene, confirming he was now part of history.

Expectedly, Bradley, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up among the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during announced.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change 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 was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside the crowd referencing players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling after multiple losses prior to defeating Villa last weekend, responded with a performance that represented their peak during this campaign, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, stating: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Defeats consume extensive focus since you desperately need to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and character amid victories.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these important points elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, conditions remained unfavorable for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|