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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor from the moment his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang his local hero status now regard him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork damaged bearing negative messages before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many supporters consider as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, reduced to表演 – ineffective dramatics – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged in town, confirming he was now part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he received clear confirmation as he came out among the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute was savage, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside supporters recalling players who remained faithful through potential moves to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest in recent months, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Defeats consume your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to be the same manager and character amid victories.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal after the midfielder's delivery.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid in defense as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more his ability before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|