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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and hostile reminder regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left after the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, when destiny brought these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast when the young defender from Northern Ireland emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display evoking memories from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning on the bench, all the while was left in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role currently view him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced displaying critical phrases ahead of the match and the stadium's fury provoked by what many the faithful view as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism directed towards Trent via a superb showing that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – poor theatrics at that – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, every pass greeted by positive reactions, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder for 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 of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt as he came out among the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the critical response occurring once more during announced.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as a second-half change while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute was savage, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful through potential moves to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory last weekend, responded with a performance that was easily their best during this campaign, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention because you so badly want to improve the situation, but you also try to be the same manager and person that you are when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost denied the Reds what they merited, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a position that should secure in the last 16 eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

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|