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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and negative reaction regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor after the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference with the Northern Irish defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem in a Liverpool performance evoking memories from their dominant seasons as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

It was a day of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent via a superb showing that reduced the formidable Brazilian star to an observer, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, supporters singing enthusiastically, not only for his performance and as a clear signal towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager sent him in as a second-half change during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, delivered a display which ranked among their finest in recent months, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention because you so badly want to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories when he frustrated them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, this significant victory moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|