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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – faced a harsh and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left after his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the fans who once sang his local hero status currently view him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork damaged displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, vocals celebrating him with gusto, both for his display and as a clear signal towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

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

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up alongside the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response repeated when his name was read out.

And just when it looked like he might escape the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, including derisive boos following a poor delivery that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment through potential moves to leave Anfield, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, delivered a display that represented their peak this season, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand your complete attention because you so badly want to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, 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 earlier shows, completely secure in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

If it was a miserable night for Trent, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to deliver a reminder his quality ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|