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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, all was ready.

And what a contrast when the young full-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, all the while was left in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role presently perceive him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which the faithful view as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, reduced to表演 – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, each distribution met by positive reactions, his name chanted enthusiastically, both for his display and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, establishing him as part of history.

Naturally, the defender, even won the admiration from manager Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

And just when it looked he would miss the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as a second-half change as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing occurred alongside supporters recalling individuals showing commitment 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 amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to amplify the support.

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, responded with a performance that was easily their best in recent months, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand your complete attention as you intensely desire to improve the situation, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and person that you are during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline barely represents total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

If it was a miserable night for the defender, conditions remained unfavorable for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again of his class 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 use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|