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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who departed the club – received a stark and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back became the emblem in a Liverpool performance that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, all the while was left in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his former iconic role now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game to the Anfield anger caused by behavior which the faithful view as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, supporters singing enthusiastically, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Naturally, the defender, even won the admiration from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels tests any defender, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on among the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response heard again as his name was read out.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory in their previous match, delivered a display which ranked among their finest this season, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, stating: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Losses demand all of your time as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, yet you attempt to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure in defense as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the initial forty-five making the goalkeeper save to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|