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Conor Bradley basked by the full force of the home crowd's love, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left from the moment his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance that harked back from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural defaced displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury provoked by what many Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, his name chanted with gusto, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, establishing him as a figure from the past.

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

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception occurring once more during called.

At the moment when he would miss the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, justly achieved through Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, including derisive boos that greeted a late cross that floated without purpose into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to amplify the support.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, responded with a performance that was easily their best in recent months, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, yet you attempt to stay consistent and person that you are when you are winning.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds what they merited, via a remarkable showing that revived memories where he stopped them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure direct qualification eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|