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Bradley experienced through the passionate backing from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who left Liverpool behind – was given a brutal and unwelcome reception about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left ever since he announced his decision to exit Anfield for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired these continental giants competing in the tournament, the stage was set.

It proved a stark difference when the young full-back emerged as the standout figure of a Liverpool display evoking memories of their championship form as Real Madrid were swept aside.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, throughout faced a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

It was a day filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield damaged bearing negative messages before the game to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that supporters consider as disloyalty.

The young defender amplified the rage and criticism directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – against Bradley's commanding presence.

All his interventions drew loud applause, every pass greeted by positive reactions, his name chanted passionately, both for his display but as a voluble reminder to Alexander-Arnold announcing a fresh face at the club, confirming he was now from a previous era.

Expectedly, Bradley, earned plaudits by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. To be up against Vinicius in numerous individual duels proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.

Had the graffiti displayed on Alexander-Arnold's mural failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence during his warm-up alongside the visiting team's reserves prior to the start, negative reactions filling the air, the negative reception repeated when his name called.

Just as it seemed he could avoid the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as an 81st-minute substitute during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, deservedly given to them by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival proved brutal, plus sarcastic shouts following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly into touch.

Trent's disappointing appearance was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal through potential moves to leave Anfield, namely former captain Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere amid the comeback of their past hero became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost with six defeats in seven games until their recent victory in their previous match, produced a showing that was easily their best in recent months, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

The coach enjoyed the comeback to successful results, saying: Winning matches proves more enjoyable compared to defeats for a coach. Defeats consume extensive focus as you intensely desire to improve the situation, but you also try to maintain your approach and personality during successful periods.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost prevented Liverpool from achieving their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them in the previous final loss the European showpiece at the Stade de France.

The goalkeeper delivered multiple superb interventions, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish after the midfielder's delivery.

The close scoreline barely represents total command from start to finish, these important points elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure in the last 16 without the need to resort of extra games if continued.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the engine room, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches from his Leverkusen days. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace during the game.

The Reds, contrasting with previous earlier shows, completely secure in defense as the French star was neutralized, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

While proving a difficult evening for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to showcase once more his quality before England head coach Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the upcoming internationals following his previous omission.

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