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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – faced a harsh and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since the transfer was finalized to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

A dramatic comparison emerged with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, including his Anfield mural being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, both for his display but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face on the scene, that he was now firmly from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on alongside the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

And just when it looked he could avoid the total criticism, the visiting team's manager sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal just after the hour.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly out of play.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful through potential moves to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, delivered a display that was easily their best in recent months, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them win the championship.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. Defeats consume all of your time because you so badly want to reverse the trend, while also striving to stay consistent and character during successful periods.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches when he frustrated them in the previous final loss the continental decider at the Stade de France.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his quality before England head coach selects his roster in the coming matches following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger in the initial forty-five making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|