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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor ever since he announced his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast when the young Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance that harked back from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

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

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many supporters consider as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, his name chanted enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, confirming he was now part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on alongside the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception heard again as his name called.

At the moment when he would miss the total criticism, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful through potential moves to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory on Saturday, delivered a display that was easily their best this season, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to winning ways, commenting: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand all of your time because you so badly want to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and person that you are during successful periods.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories where he stopped them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in Paris.

Courtois produced several outstanding stops, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, these important points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered some of the subtle touches during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, 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 Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager selects his roster in the coming matches following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|