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Bradley experienced by the full force from Liverpool's faithful, while Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – faced a harsh and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.

Bradley was earmarked to fill the void left from the moment he announced his decision to leave Liverpool towards the Spanish giants, when destiny brought both elite clubs together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.

A dramatic comparison emerged when the young full-back was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display evoking memories of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.

Alexander-Arnold, who started from the sidelines, all the while was left in no doubt how the fans who once sang about 'the Scouser in our team' now regard him.

This was an event marked by continuous negativity aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, including his Anfield mural defaced bearing negative messages prior to kickoff and the stadium's fury provoked by what many supporters consider as a breach of trust.

Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction via a superb showing that neutralized the dangerous opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – against the defender's superior strength.

Every Bradley tackle drew loud applause, all his balls welcomed with Anfield's approval, vocals celebrating him enthusiastically, not only for his performance but as a voluble reminder towards Trent announcing a fresh face at the club, establishing him as a figure from the past.

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 proves challenging for most, but he was outstanding.

If the insults daubed on Alexander-Arnold's mural hadn't alerted him of what was awaiting him, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on alongside Real Madrid's substitutes ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the negative reception heard again as his name was read out.

Just as it seemed like he might escape the complete hostility, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso brought him on as a late replacement as they tried to level Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.

Reaction to Trent's entrance appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross that floated without purpose beyond the boundary.

The defender's brief, negative showing happened during supporters recalling of those who had stayed loyal despite temptations and opportunities to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, observing from the seats.

This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – exactly the type of occasion the stadium loves as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to turn up the volume.

The Reds, previously struggling following poor results until their recent victory on Saturday, responded with a performance that represented their peak this season, a timely reminder of the quality that saw them stroll to the title.

Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, commenting: It is nicer if you win games than if you lose as a manager. Defeats consume extensive focus as you intensely desire to improve the situation, but you also try to be the same manager and personality when you are winning.

It was only the shadow from the exceptional goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened to stop Liverpool getting the justified outcome, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in the French capital.

Courtois produced several of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and an amazing instinctive block against Van Dijk's aerial effort, before finally being beaten from Mac Allister's headed goal following Szoboszlai's set-piece.

The slim winning difference hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these crucial three points moving them to sixth position in the European standings, a standing that will put them in the last 16 avoiding the requirement to a play-off if maintained.

The midfield duo dominated midfield, with Wirtz contributing some of the subtle touches that made his name at Bayer Leverkusen. Ekitike posed continuous threats throughout the match.

Liverpool were, unlike so often earlier shows, completely secure defensively as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, delivering a dreadful, error-strewn display. Vinicius had been beaten by Conor well before full-time.

Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, conditions remained unfavorable for Jude Bellingham, offered the Anfield stage to demonstrate again his quality prior to the Three Lions boss announces his team in the coming matches after being left out recently.

The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half testing the shot-stopper to use his feet, yet remained largely invisible {as Real failed to establish|