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Bradley experienced by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor after his departure was confirmed to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old full-back became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, constantly received in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced bearing negative messages before the game and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that supporters consider as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of the youngster's physical dominance.

All his interventions drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display plus an audible message towards Trent that a new talent had emerged at the club, that he was now firmly from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception heard again as his name called.

And just when it looked he could avoid the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a second-half change as they tried to level the Reds' margin, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery that floated without purpose into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound the crowd referencing players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results prior to defeating Villa in their previous match, produced a showing that was easily their best during this campaign, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention because you so badly want to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and person that you are when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing evoking past matches when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference barely represents total command from start to finish, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided creative flourishes during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, conditions remained unfavorable for the English midfielder, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|