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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment he announced his decision to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, throughout faced a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, including his Anfield mural being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – ineffective dramatics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, supporters singing passionately, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, establishing him as part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one tests any defender, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up among the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception heard again as his name was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that floated without purpose out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games prior to defeating Villa last weekend, produced a showing that was easily their best in recent months, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, saying: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus since you desperately need to reverse the trend, while also striving to stay consistent and person that you are amid victories.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference barely represents their domination from first whistle to last, these important points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. 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, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

If it was a miserable night for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|