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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment he announced his decision to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, as luck would have it both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference when the young full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display that harked back from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork defaced bearing negative messages prior to kickoff plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many the faithful view as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – poor theatrics at that – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face on the scene, confirming he was now part of history.

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

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt as he came out among Real Madrid's substitutes before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name announced.

And just when it looked like he might escape the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, delivered a display which ranked among their finest this season, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, stating: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus because you so badly want to improve the situation, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and character amid victories.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, via a remarkable showing that revived memories when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid at the back as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

He provided one moment of danger during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|