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Conor Bradley basked amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception of his fall from grace.

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, so once the fates paired both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol during the Reds' showing evoking memories of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural being vandalised displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, every pass greeted by positive reactions, his name chanted with gusto, not only for his performance and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged in town, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

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

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he received clear confirmation as he came out alongside the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response heard again as his name called.

And just when it looked like he might escape the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as a second-half change while attempting to equalize the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival was savage, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass that floated without purpose out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside of Liverpool's fans reminding him individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to amplify the support.

The Reds, previously struggling after multiple losses until their recent victory last weekend, produced a showing which ranked among their finest this season, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, yet you attempt to be the same manager and character during successful periods.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the center of the park, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid at the back as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, it was not much better for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after being left out recently.

He provided one moment of danger during the opening period when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|