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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back became the emblem in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang his local hero status currently view him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" prior to kickoff to the Anfield anger caused by behavior which supporters consider as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the fury and scorn targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that reduced the formidable Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – ineffective dramatics – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face on the scene, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Expectedly, Bradley, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up alongside the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name 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 as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return became extra fuel to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory on Saturday, produced a showing that represented their peak this season, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, commenting: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Defeats consume your complete attention because you so badly want to reverse the trend, but you also try to be the same manager and personality during successful periods.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing evoking past matches where he stopped them in the previous final loss the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth 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, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The team, differing from typical 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.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder his quality before England head coach announces his team in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|