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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 moved on from Anfield – received a stark and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to exit Anfield towards the Spanish giants, so once the fates paired 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 of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Trent, beginning from the sidelines, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

The occasion proved of unrelenting ill-feeling directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised displaying critical phrases before the game to the Anfield anger caused by behavior which supporters consider as his betrayal.

Bradley actually fuelled the rage and criticism aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction through an outstanding performance that neutralized the dangerous Vinicius Jr to a passenger, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge was cheered to the echo, each distribution met with crowd support, his name chanted passionately, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged on the scene, that he was now firmly from a previous era.

Naturally, the defender, garnered praise by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on alongside Real Madrid's substitutes prior to the start, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name called.

Just as it seemed he would miss the total criticism, the visiting team's manager brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish during the 61st minute.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, as were the mocking jeers that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal through potential moves to exit the club, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased 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.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games prior to defeating Villa on Saturday, delivered a display that was easily their best this season, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to victory, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. Losses demand your complete attention because you so badly want to change it, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and person that you are when you are winning.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper the Belgian who almost denied the Reds their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference barely represents total command from start to finish, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the Champions League table, a placement that would guarantee direct qualification eliminating the necessity for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled midfield, while Florian Wirtz provided elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

The Reds, contrasting with previous earlier shows, completely secure at the back as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.

If it was a miserable night for the defender, it was not much better for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager selects his roster for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|