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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, when destiny brought the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, the stage was set.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status presently perceive him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, from his mural near Anfield damaged displaying critical phrases before the game to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, both for his display plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise of head coach Arne Slot.

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

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt as he came out to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he would miss the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as a late replacement while attempting to equalize the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly out of play.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games prior to defeating Villa in their previous match, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest during this campaign, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to winning ways, commenting: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention since you desperately need to change it, yet you attempt to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments during his German career. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure in defense as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

If it was a miserable night for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder his ability ahead of the national team manager announces his team for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|