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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – received a stark and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display evoking memories from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, all the while was left a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many supporters consider as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, establishing him as a figure from the past.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt as he came out to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the critical response occurring once more during called.

And just when it looked like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a late replacement while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory on Saturday, responded with a performance that was easily their best this season, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, stating: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus because you so badly want to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and character during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, 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.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their complete control throughout, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, conditions remained unfavorable for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder his quality before England head coach 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, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|