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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left from the moment the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure during the Reds' showing that harked back from their dominant seasons while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning on the bench, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang his former iconic role currently view him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – poor theatrics at that – against the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions drew loud applause, each distribution met by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not just for his own efforts but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, confirming he was now part of history.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt as he came out among the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception repeated when his name called.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, justly achieved through Mac Allister's headed goal during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly beyond the boundary.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside supporters recalling individuals showing commitment through potential moves to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

The team, earlier inconsistent following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, responded with a performance that represented their peak this season, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus as you intensely desire to reverse the trend, but you also try to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving what they merited, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string outstanding stops, preventing goals from the midfielder and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their complete control throughout, these important points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee direct qualification without the need to resort to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again his ability before England head coach announces his team to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|