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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who departed the club – was given a brutal and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked as the natural successor after he announced his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast when the young Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced bearing negative messages prior to kickoff to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing with gusto, both for his display plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up alongside the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal through potential moves to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory in their previous match, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, commenting: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand all of your time because you so badly want to change it, while also striving to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure 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 that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager announces his team in the coming matches following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the initial forty-five when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|