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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – received a stark and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment the transfer was finalized to move on from the Reds towards the Spanish giants, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol during the Reds' showing which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, throughout faced in no doubt how the fans who once sang his local hero status currently view him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural damaged displaying critical phrases ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent via a superb showing that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, his name chanted passionately, not only for his performance plus an audible message for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation as he came out alongside Real Madrid's substitutes before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during was read out.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the total criticism, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a late replacement as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing that represented their peak during this campaign, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, saying: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Losses demand extensive focus because you so badly want to reverse the trend, yet you attempt to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them direct qualification without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid at the back as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius was outperformed by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder his quality prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

He provided one moment of danger in the initial forty-five testing the shot-stopper to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|