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Conor Bradley basked by the full force of the home crowd's love, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants competing in the tournament, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young full-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, starting with his public artwork being vandalised displaying critical phrases before the game to the Anfield anger provoked by what many Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor through an outstanding performance that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against the youngster's physical dominance.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with crowd support, vocals celebrating him with gusto, both for his display and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, confirming he was now a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius so many times one against one tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out alongside Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception occurring once more during was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him 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 was savage, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly beyond the boundary.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during supporters recalling individuals showing commitment through potential moves to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, responded with a performance that represented their peak during this campaign, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and personality when you are winning.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing that revived memories of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them direct qualification eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, as Wirtz delivered creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid at the back while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, it was not much better for the English midfielder, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss 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 testing the shot-stopper to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|