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

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor from the moment his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display that harked back from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the fans who once sang his local hero status currently view him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural defaced bearing negative messages ahead of the match and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, his name chanted with gusto, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt as he came out to warm-up as one of the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the critical response occurring once more during announced.

And just when it looked he would miss the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as a late replacement during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery that drifted aimlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during the crowd referencing players who remained faithful through potential moves to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results prior to defeating Villa last weekend, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest during this campaign, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand extensive focus since you desperately need to improve the situation, but you also try to be the same manager and person that you are when you are winning.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper the Belgian who almost prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure direct qualification avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager announces his team to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

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