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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked as the natural successor after his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants face-to-face in Europe, the stage was set.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.

Trent, beginning among the reserves, all the while was left a clear message about the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

This was an event filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game to the Anfield anger provoked by what many Liverpool fans regard as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, his name chanted passionately, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, establishing him as a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

The defender was magnificent, he said. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels tests any defender, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he received clear confirmation as he came out to warm-up as one of Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception occurring once more during was read out.

Just as it seemed he would miss the total criticism, the visiting team's manager introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, justly achieved through by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound supporters recalling individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in with their ex-player's return became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, produced a showing which ranked among their finest this season, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes extensive focus since you desperately need to reverse the trend, while also striving to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

Courtois produced several superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these important points moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a position that should secure in the last 16 without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the center of the park, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, offered the Anfield stage to showcase once more his quality prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to make a leg stop, but was otherwise anonymous {as Real failed to establish|