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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor after the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast when the young defender from Northern Ireland emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing evoking memories from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status now regard him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, 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 the faithful view as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing passionately, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent that there was a new kid on the scene, establishing him as from a previous era.

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

Conor Bradley was outstanding, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation when he trotted on alongside Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the critical response repeated when his name called.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, responded with a performance that represented their peak in recent months, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention since you desperately need to improve the situation, while also striving to be the same manager and person that you are amid victories.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference barely represents their complete control throughout, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure defensively as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|