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Conor Bradley basked through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.

Bradley was earmarked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent after he announced his decision to move on from the Reds to join Real Madrid, when destiny brought both elite clubs competing in the tournament, all was ready.

And what a contrast it was as the 22-year-old defender from Northern Ireland became the emblem of a Liverpool display evoking memories to their Premier League title-winning best while Real Madrid were overwhelmed.

Alexander-Arnold, who started among the reserves, all the while was left an unmistakable indication of the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.

It was a day of unrelenting ill-feeling targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" ahead of the match to the Anfield anger sparked by actions that Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.

Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Brazilian star to an observer, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of the defender's superior strength.

Each defensive challenge drew loud applause, each distribution met with Anfield's approval, his name chanted passionately, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, that he was now firmly part of history.

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

The defender was magnificent, stated the coach. Competing with the Brazilian so many times one against one is not for everyone, but he handled it superbly.

Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork failed to warn him about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on among the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name was read out.

At the moment when he would miss the full-scale vitriol, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort the Reds' margin, rightfully earned by by Alex Mac Allister's header during the 61st minute.

Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, plus sarcastic shouts after an errant pass that floated without purpose out of play.

Trent's disappointing appearance happened during the crowd referencing of those who had stayed loyal amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, observing from the seats.

The evening belonged to Liverpool, the defender's showcase – a classic Anfield atmosphere with their ex-player's return acted as an even more potent catalyst to increase the intensity.

And Liverpool, who had looked lost after multiple losses before Aston Villa were beaten in their previous match, produced a showing that represented their peak during this campaign, a crucial indication of the quality that saw them secure the trophy.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable than if you lose as a manager. If you lose, then it takes all of your time because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to stay consistent and personality amid victories.

Merely the presence of the talented shot-stopper the Belgian who almost to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, through an outstanding personal display that revived memories where he stopped them in the previous final loss the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block from Virgil van Dijk's header, until eventually he couldn't prevent from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The close scoreline hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these crucial three points elevating them to sixth in the Champions League table, a position that should secure in the last 16 avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the center of the park, with Wirtz contributing elegant moments that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitike was a constant menace throughout the match.

The team, differing from typical earlier shows, completely secure defensively as the French star was neutralized, showing poorly with multiple errors. The Brazilian was defeated by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Trent, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to showcase once more of his class ahead of the national team manager selects his roster 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|