🔗 Share this article

Bradley experienced amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and hostile reminder regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old full-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases ahead of the match and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that the faithful view as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing with gusto, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

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

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the critical response heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he could avoid the total criticism, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, justly achieved through Mac Allister's headed goal during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, produced a showing that represented their peak this season, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, commenting: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, while also striving to be the same manager and personality during successful periods.

Merely the presence from the exceptional goalkeeper the Belgian who almost denied the Reds what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects total command from start to finish, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure direct qualification eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure defensively as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder his quality before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after being left out recently.

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