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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified to fill the void left ever since he announced his decision to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, as luck would have it both elite clubs face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back became the emblem in a Liverpool performance evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, constantly received a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate his former iconic role currently view him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, starting with his public artwork defaced with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, every pass greeted with crowd support, his name chanted passionately, both for his display and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face on the scene, confirming he was now part of history.

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

The defender was magnificent, he said. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels tests any defender, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up to warm-up as one of the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he would miss the full-scale vitriol, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as a second-half change during their comeback effort Liverpool's lead, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that floated without purpose into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, delivered a display that represented their peak in recent months, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to improve the situation, yet you attempt to be the same manager and character during successful periods.

Solely the performance from the exceptional goalkeeper Courtois who nearly prevented Liverpool from achieving the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display that revived memories where he stopped them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the European showpiece in the French capital.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder and an amazing instinctive block from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin does not touch the sides of their complete control throughout, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments during his German career. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often recent performances, extremely solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after excluding him last time.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the initial forty-five making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|