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Conor Bradley was driven amidst the overwhelming support of Anfield's adoration, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and hostile reminder regarding his changed status.

Conor Bradley had been identified as the natural successor ever since he announced his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, when destiny brought the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish Northern Ireland right-back became the emblem in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, constantly received a clear message about the fans who once sang his former iconic role now regard him.

The occasion proved filled with persistent hostility aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised displaying critical phrases ahead of the match to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance which minimized the threat of Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with crowd support, vocals celebrating him passionately, both for his display but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid at the club, establishing him as from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, garnered praise by the team's boss.

Bradley performed exceptionally, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on among Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, negative reactions filling the air, the critical response heard again as his name called.

At the moment when he could avoid the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival was savage, including derisive boos that greeted a late cross that floated without purpose into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him players who remained faithful through potential moves to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results before Aston Villa were beaten last weekend, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest in recent months, a crucial indication of the standard that helped them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand all of your time because you so badly want to change it, while also striving to be the same manager and character when you are winning.

It was only the shadow of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in the French capital.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, featuring denials against Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments during his German career. Ekitike posed continuous threats across ninety minutes.

Liverpool were, unlike so often this season, rock solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for the defender, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again of his class ahead of the national team manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

Bellingham created a single threat in the first half making the goalkeeper save to make a leg stop, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|