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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor after his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers face-to-face in Europe, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old full-back became the emblem during the Reds' showing evoking memories of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status presently perceive him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the fury and scorn targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, vocals celebrating him with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, establishing him as part of history.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations tests any defender, yet he excelled.

If the insults daubed on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name announced.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, including derisive boos after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This match showcased Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to amplify the support.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results prior to defeating Villa last weekend, produced a showing which ranked among their finest during this campaign, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to be the same manager and character amid victories.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories where he stopped 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 Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their complete control throughout, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively 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, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his ability ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania after being left out recently.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to save with his legs, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|