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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor after the transfer was finalized to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the stage was set.

A dramatic comparison emerged it was as the 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received an unmistakable indication of the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural defaced displaying critical phrases before the game to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not only for his performance and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Expectedly, Bradley, garnered praise from manager Arne Slot.

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

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, he received clear confirmation as he came out alongside the Spanish squad's backups ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception heard again as his name announced.

And just when it looked he could avoid the complete hostility, the visiting team's manager introduced him as a second-half change while attempting to equalize the home team's advantage, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, including derisive boos following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment through potential moves to exit the club, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, Conor's moment – a classic Anfield atmosphere with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, produced a showing that was easily their best in recent months, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them win the championship.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. Losses demand extensive focus because you so badly want to improve the situation, but you also try to be the same manager and character during successful periods.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost denied the Reds the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories of how he defied them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in the French capital.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, before finally being beaten by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of their domination from first whistle to last, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a placement that would guarantee knockout stage advancement without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid defensively as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania after excluding him last time.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period testing the shot-stopper to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|