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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – faced a harsh and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the fans who once sang his local hero status presently perceive him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions received roaring approval, every pass greeted by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him passionately, both for his display but as a voluble reminder towards Trent that a new talent had emerged in town, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name announced.

And just when it looked like he might escape the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

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

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside of Liverpool's fans reminding him individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to amplify the support.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory on Saturday, delivered a display that represented their peak during this campaign, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to winning ways, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, while also striving to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds their deserved result, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents total command from start to finish, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, 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 center of the park, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, it was not much better for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder his ability prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half testing the shot-stopper to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|