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Conor Bradley basked by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – was given a brutal and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast when the young full-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

It was a day of unrelenting ill-feeling targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork being vandalised bearing negative messages before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many supporters consider as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent via a superb showing that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – poor theatrics at that – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not only for his performance plus an audible message towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, establishing him as part of history.

Expectedly, Bradley, even won the admiration from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels tests any defender, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation as he came out among Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the critical response occurring once more during called.

At the moment when like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass that floated without purpose out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven 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.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, delivered a display that represented their peak in recent months, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to winning ways, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes all of your time because you so badly want to improve the situation, while also striving to be the same manager and character amid victories.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several outstanding stops, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these important points elevating them to sixth in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee direct qualification avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager announces his team for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat in the initial forty-five when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|