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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference when the young defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol during the Reds' showing which reminded everyone from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang his local hero status now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork being vandalised bearing negative messages before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that the faithful view as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor through an outstanding performance which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions drew loud applause, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, his name chanted with gusto, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Expectedly, Bradley, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during called.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as a late replacement as they tried to level the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound the crowd referencing players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory last weekend, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest in recent months, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, commenting: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Defeats consume your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to stay consistent and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference barely represents total command from start to finish, these crucial three points elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

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

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his quality ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|