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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – received a stark and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, as luck would have it these continental giants together in the Champions League, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display that harked back of their championship form while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold among the reserves, throughout faced an unmistakable indication of the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' presently perceive him.

This was an event of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural being vandalised bearing negative messages ahead of the match and the stadium's fury caused by behavior which Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

The young defender amplified 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 – poor theatrics at that – confronting the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, his name chanted with gusto, both for his display but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, that he was now firmly a figure from the past.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up alongside the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso sent him in as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.

Reception for the substitute was savage, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass which sailed harmlessly out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during supporters recalling individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere with their ex-player's return served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory last weekend, produced a showing that represented their peak this season, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume all of your time as you intensely desire to improve the situation, yet you attempt to maintain your approach and person that you are during successful periods.

It was only the shadow of the talented shot-stopper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds what they merited, through an outstanding personal display evoking past matches where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider in Paris.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, preventing goals from the midfielder plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 without the need to resort of extra games if continued.

The midfield duo dominated the engine room, with Wirtz contributing creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. Ekitike posed continuous threats during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid defensively while Mbappe became ineffective, showing poorly with multiple errors. Vinicius had been beaten by the defender early on.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, it was not much better for Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to deliver a reminder of his class ahead of the national team manager selects his roster for the upcoming internationals after being left out recently.

Bellingham created a single threat during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|