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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – faced a harsh and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, so once the fates paired these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish full-back became the emblem during the Reds' showing that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role currently view him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that supporters consider as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, not only for his performance and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Naturally, the defender, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels tests any defender, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the Spanish squad's backups prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response occurring once more during called.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during the crowd referencing players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, produced a showing that represented their peak this season, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention since you desperately need to change it, while also striving to be the same manager and person that you are when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display that revived memories where he stopped them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|