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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

The young defender was marked to fill the void left ever since his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, all was ready.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young full-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance evoking memories of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, all the while was left in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised displaying critical phrases prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury sparked by actions that the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the anger and disdain aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle received roaring approval, each distribution met with crowd support, his name chanted enthusiastically, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits of head coach Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence as he came out alongside Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception occurring once more during called.

And just when it looked he could avoid the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the Reds' margin, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, including derisive boos that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal through potential moves to exit the club, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This was Liverpool's night, Conor's moment – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games prior to defeating Villa last weekend, delivered a display that represented their peak in recent months, a timely reminder of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. Losses demand extensive focus as you intensely desire to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and personality when you are winning.

Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline barely represents total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them direct qualification avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated the engine room, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical earlier shows, completely secure in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius was outperformed by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again of his class before England head coach announces his team to face Serbia and Albania after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|