🔗 Share this article

Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – faced a harsh and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, 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 in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, constantly received in no doubt how the fans who once sang his former iconic role currently view him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that supporters consider as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him with gusto, both for his display and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, establishing him as from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up among Real Madrid's substitutes before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he could avoid the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful through potential moves to leave Anfield, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, delivered a display that was easily their best in recent months, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, commenting: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and personality when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories where he stopped them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block 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 barely represents their domination from first whistle to last, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, conditions remained unfavorable for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his ability prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|