🔗 Share this article

Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of Anfield's adoration, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who moved on from Anfield – faced a harsh and unwelcome reception regarding his changed status.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left after he announced his decision to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, as luck would have it the two European superpowers competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back emerged as the standout figure in a Liverpool performance that harked back to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

The substitute Alexander-Arnold on the bench, throughout faced in no doubt how the supporters who previously chanted his local hero status presently perceive him.

It was a day marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" prior to kickoff plus the crowd's rage caused by behavior which the faithful view as a breach of trust.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, every pass greeted by positive reactions, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Bradley, unsurprisingly, even won the admiration of head coach Arne Slot.

Bradley performed exceptionally, stated the coach. Facing Vinicius in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Assuming the vandalized messages on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt as he came out to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, boos echoing through the stadium, the negative reception occurring once more during announced.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the total criticism, the visiting team's manager introduced him as a second-half change during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, justly achieved through the midfielder's aerial finish just after the hour.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival was savage, including derisive boos after an errant pass that floated without purpose out of play.

Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo occurred alongside the crowd referencing players who remained faithful despite temptations and opportunities to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in amid the comeback of their past hero acted as an even more potent catalyst to amplify the support.

The team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory on Saturday, delivered a display that was easily their best this season, an important demonstration regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.

Slot appreciated the response to successful results, stating: It is nicer if you win games rather than losing matches. Losses demand your complete attention since you desperately need to improve the situation, but you also try to stay consistent and character when you are winning.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the continental decider in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk's header, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects their complete control throughout, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the European standings, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches during his German career. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius was outperformed by the defender early on.

If it was a miserable night for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Jude Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again his ability prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|