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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who departed the club – was given a brutal and hostile reminder regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left after he announced his decision to move on from the Reds for Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance that harked back of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced in no doubt how the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that the faithful view as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, each distribution met with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face in town, establishing him as part of history.

Expectedly, Bradley, earned plaudits of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on alongside Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception repeated when his name called.

And just when it looked he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the home team's advantage, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, including derisive boos following a poor delivery that floated without purpose into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during supporters recalling players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing which ranked among their finest this season, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus as you intensely desire to improve the situation, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects their complete control throughout, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius was outperformed by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|