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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought these continental giants together in the Champions League, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference when the young Northern Ireland right-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status currently view him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that supporters consider as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, his name chanted passionately, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception heard again as his name was read out.

Just as it seemed he would miss the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as a late replacement as they tried to level the home team's advantage, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute was savage, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing that represented their peak during this campaign, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, commenting: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand your complete attention since you desperately need to change it, while also striving to stay consistent and character amid victories.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches where he stopped them in the previous final loss the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, it was not much better for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to deliver a reminder of his class prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|