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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment his departure was confirmed to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast when the young 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 on the bench, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced bearing negative messages before the game to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions received roaring approval, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, supporters singing enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, establishing him as part of history.

Naturally, the defender, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out among Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the critical response occurring once more during was read out.

Just as it seemed he would miss the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing players who remained faithful through potential moves to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return became extra fuel to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, produced a showing that represented their peak this season, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Defeats consume your complete attention since you desperately need to reverse the trend, yet you attempt to stay consistent and personality when you are winning.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches of how he defied them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them direct qualification avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The Reds, contrasting with previous earlier shows, completely secure at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team in the coming matches after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|