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Conor Bradley basked by the full force of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor ever since he announced his decision to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants together in the Champions League, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role now regard him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many supporters consider as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the fury and scorn targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, reduced to表演 – ineffective dramatics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, every pass greeted by positive reactions, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face on the scene, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

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

The defender was magnificent, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up among Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception repeated when his name announced.

And just when it looked like he might escape the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a second-half change during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, 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 after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound the crowd referencing players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, responded with a performance that represented their peak in recent months, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them stroll to the title.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Defeats consume your complete attention because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to be the same manager and character when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing that revived memories when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline barely represents their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his quality before England head coach selects his roster in the coming matches following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|