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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force of the home crowd's love, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – faced a harsh and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent ever since his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds for Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants competing in the tournament, all was ready.

It proved a stark difference it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

The young defender amplified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent via a superb showing that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against the youngster's physical dominance.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with crowd support, his name chanted enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder for Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, establishing him as part of history.

Naturally, the defender, garnered praise of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, stated the coach. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on among Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, boos echoing through the stadium, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name called.

And just when it looked he could avoid the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header just after the hour.

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

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside supporters recalling players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, responded with a performance 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 winning ways, commenting: Victories bring greater satisfaction than if you lose as a manager. Defeats consume all of your time because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to stay consistent and person that you are when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, via a remarkable showing evoking past matches where he stopped them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin barely represents their domination from first whistle to last, these important points elevating them to sixth in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 eliminating the necessity of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical earlier shows, completely secure in defense as the French star was neutralized, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after being left out recently.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|