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Conor Bradley was driven by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, as Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and negative reaction of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to move on from the Reds towards the Spanish giants, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, the scene was prepared.

And what a contrast when the young full-back became the emblem in a Liverpool performance evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, throughout faced a clear message about the supporters who previously chanted about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, including his Anfield mural defaced displaying critical phrases ahead of the match plus the crowd's rage caused by behavior which the faithful view as disloyalty.

Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor with a magnificent display which minimized the threat of opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – confronting Bradley's commanding presence.

Every Bradley tackle was cheered to the echo, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, supporters singing with gusto, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal for Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.

Naturally, the defender, even won the admiration by the team's boss.

The defender was magnificent, commented Slot. Competing with the Brazilian in numerous individual duels is not for everyone, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him of what was awaiting him, he was left in no doubt during his warm-up among the Spanish squad's backups prior to the start, jeers ringing around Anfield, the critical response heard again as his name was read out.

And just when it looked like he might escape the total criticism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso introduced him as a late replacement while attempting to equalize the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance proved brutal, as were the mocking jeers following a poor delivery which sailed harmlessly into touch.

The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to leave Anfield, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, present in the crowd.

This match showcased Liverpool, the defender's showcase – the sort of night Anfield revels in as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost following poor results until their recent victory on Saturday, produced a showing that was easily their best this season, an important demonstration of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, saying: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Losses demand extensive focus since you desperately need to change it, but you also try to maintain your approach and person that you are during successful periods.

Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly denied the Reds the justified outcome, with a stunning individual performance that revived memories when he frustrated them during their defeat under Klopp the European showpiece in Paris.

The Belgian made a string superb interventions, featuring denials against Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.

The close scoreline does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory pushing them into sixth place in the tournament ranking, a position that should secure knockout stage advancement eliminating the necessity to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai with Mac Allister controlled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. The forward remained dangerous across ninety minutes.

The team, differing from typical this season, rock solid at the back as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for the English midfielder, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel names his squad to face Serbia and Albania following his previous omission.

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