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Bradley experienced amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing that harked back from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the fans who once sang his former iconic role now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, vocals celebrating him passionately, not only for his performance plus an audible message for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged in town, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

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

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

And just when it looked like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a second-half change during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, justly achieved through Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly out of play.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during supporters recalling individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, delivered a display that represented their peak this season, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to winning ways, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, while also striving to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, via a remarkable showing evoking past matches when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their complete control throughout, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder of his class prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|