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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 – faced a harsh and hostile reminder regarding his changed status.

The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the stage was set.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural being vandalised displaying critical phrases before the game plus the crowd's rage provoked by what many Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, each distribution met with crowd support, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, confirming he was now from a previous era.

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

Conor Bradley was outstanding, he said. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up among the visiting team's reserves before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name called.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the complete hostility, the Spanish side's coach sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during the crowd referencing players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Conor's moment – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory last weekend, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest during this campaign, an important demonstration of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, but you also try to maintain your approach and person that you are when you are winning.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds what they merited, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the Champions League table, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled midfield, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again of his class before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|