🔗 Share this article

Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor after the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast when the young full-back became the emblem during the Reds' showing which reminded everyone from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, all the while was left a clear message about the fans who once sang his former iconic role now regard him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – ineffective dramatics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, each distribution met by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder towards Trent that there was a new kid on the scene, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Expectedly, Bradley, garnered praise by the team's boss.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on among the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name announced.

At the moment when like he might escape the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, including derisive boos following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results until their recent victory in their previous match, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest in recent months, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, commenting: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. 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 when you are winning.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display that revived memories where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several outstanding stops, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them in the last 16 without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more of his class prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|