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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left ever since he announced his decision to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs together in the Champions League, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young 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.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that supporters consider as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor through an outstanding performance that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, reduced to表演 – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, that he was now firmly part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration from manager Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out alongside the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the critical response repeated when his name announced.

At the moment when like he might escape the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

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

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, delivered a display that represented their peak this season, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, saying: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Defeats consume your complete attention as you intensely desire to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and personality amid victories.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider in Paris.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten 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 placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again of his class ahead of the national team manager selects his roster for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|