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Bradley experienced by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged it was as the 22-year-old full-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, all the while was left a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status now regard him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, including his Anfield mural defaced displaying critical phrases before the game to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn 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 the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, each distribution met by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not only for his performance plus an audible message towards Trent that there was a new kid at the club, establishing him as from a previous era.

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

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation as he came out alongside the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception occurring once more during was read out.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach brought him on as a second-half change during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment through potential moves 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 as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, produced a showing which ranked among their finest during this campaign, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled 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 your complete attention because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|