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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who departed the club – received a stark and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor ever since he announced his decision to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance evoking memories from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status presently perceive him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match to the Anfield anger caused by behavior which supporters consider as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, vocals celebrating him passionately, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, establishing him as from a previous era.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on among the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name announced.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager introduced him as a second-half change during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven 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 acted as an even more potent catalyst to amplify the support.

The Reds, previously struggling after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing that was easily their best in recent months, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus since you desperately need to improve the situation, while also striving to be the same manager and person that you are when you are winning.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the tournament ranking, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes during his German career. The forward remained dangerous during the game.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

If it was a miserable night for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to showcase once more his ability ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|