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Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted his former iconic role now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield defaced displaying critical phrases before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many the faithful view as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the anger and disdain directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face at the club, that he was now firmly part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation as he came out alongside the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval occurring once more during was read out.

And just when it looked like he might escape the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment despite temptations and opportunities to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to amplify the support.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, delivered a display which ranked among their finest this season, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot appreciated the response to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, while also striving to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds their deserved result, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before even he was powerless to stop Mac Allister's header following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for the defender, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

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