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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who departed the club – faced a harsh and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, all was ready.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received 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 targeted at Alexander-Arnold, from his mural near Anfield damaged displaying critical phrases before the game and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which the faithful view as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, reduced to表演 – ineffective dramatics – against the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, his name chanted passionately, not just for his own efforts 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.

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

Bradley performed exceptionally, he said. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception repeated when his name was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute appeared harsh, including derisive boos after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses prior to defeating Villa last weekend, delivered a display which ranked among their finest during this campaign, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes all of your time as you intensely desire to improve the situation, while also striving to stay consistent and person that you are when you are winning.

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 where he stopped them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, before finally being beaten to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid defensively 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, it was not much better for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more his ability before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|