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Conor Bradley basked by the full force of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – was given a brutal and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning among the reserves, all the while was left in no doubt how the fans who once sang his local hero status presently perceive him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match and the stadium's fury provoked by what many the faithful view as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not only for his performance plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face in town, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation when he trotted on among the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception occurring once more during was read out.

Just as it seemed he would miss the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results prior to defeating Villa in their previous match, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, it was not much better for the English midfielder, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager announces his team for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|