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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the local boy who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and negative reaction about his diminished standing.

Conor Bradley had been identified as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

It proved a stark difference when the young Northern Ireland right-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance that harked back from their dominant seasons as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, constantly received a clear message about the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status currently view him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game plus the crowd's rage sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the rage and criticism targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, limited to dramatic actions – unconvincing antics – against the defender's superior strength.

All his interventions was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing passionately, not only for his performance and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that a new talent had emerged at the club, establishing him as from a previous era.

Expectedly, Bradley, earned plaudits from manager Arne Slot.

Conor Bradley was outstanding, commented Slot. Facing Vinicius so many times one against one tests any defender, but he was outstanding.

Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute hadn't alerted him regarding the coming hostility, he received clear confirmation during his warm-up alongside Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval repeated when his name was read out.

Just as it seemed he would miss the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as a second-half change as they tried to level the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

Reception for the substitute was savage, including derisive boos that greeted a late cross that drifted aimlessly into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance occurred alongside the crowd referencing players who remained faithful amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This was Liverpool's night, the defender's showcase – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves amid the comeback of their past hero served as additional motivation to turn up the volume.

The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory last weekend, delivered a display that was easily their best during this campaign, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them win the championship.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to victory, commenting: It is nicer if you win games compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus because you so badly want to reverse the trend, while also striving to be the same manager and personality amid victories.

Solely the performance of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost denied the Reds their deserved result, with a stunning individual performance evoking past matches of how he defied them when Jurgen Klopp's team lost the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects their complete control throughout, these crucial three points pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a placement that would guarantee in the last 16 without the need to resort for additional matches if sustained.

The midfield duo dominated the engine room, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical recent performances, extremely solid at the back as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. The Brazilian was defeated by Bradley long before the end.

While proving a difficult evening for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad in the coming matches after being left out recently.

He provided one moment of danger in the first half making the goalkeeper save to make a leg stop, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|