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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left after he announced his decision to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance evoking memories of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, all the while was left a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status currently view him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases before the game plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many supporters consider as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing passionately, both for his display and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name announced.

And just when it looked like he might escape the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, including derisive boos following a poor delivery that drifted aimlessly out of play.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to amplify the support.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest during this campaign, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, saying: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Losses demand extensive focus as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and personality when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, preventing goals from the midfielder and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline barely represents their complete control throughout, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a position that should secure in the last 16 without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical earlier shows, completely secure in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his ability before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|