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Bradley experienced amidst the overwhelming support of the home crowd's love, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who departed the club – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left from the moment his departure was confirmed to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, when destiny brought both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

A dramatic comparison emerged with the Northern Irish full-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.

Trent, beginning on the bench, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with crowd support, his name chanted enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the critical response repeated when his name announced.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose out of play.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo happened during supporters recalling players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, delivered a display that was easily their best this season, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus since you desperately need to reverse the trend, while also striving to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, via a remarkable showing that revived memories when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his ability before England head coach selects his roster for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|