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

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

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

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his former iconic role currently view him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff plus the crowd's rage caused by behavior which the faithful view as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, his name chanted with gusto, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

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

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception heard again as his name called.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as a second-half change as they tried to level the Reds' margin, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses until their recent victory last weekend, responded with a performance that was easily their best in recent months, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, saying: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and personality when you are winning.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee direct qualification avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, conditions remained unfavorable for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder his quality ahead of the national team manager announces his team to face Serbia and Albania after excluding him last time.

He provided one moment of danger in the initial forty-five when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|