Conor Bradley was driven by the full force of the home crowd's love, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Scouser who left Liverpool behind – received a stark and negative reaction of his fall from grace.
The young defender was marked as the natural successor from the moment his departure was confirmed to move on from the Reds for Real Madrid, when destiny brought these continental giants together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.
And what a contrast when the young defender from Northern Ireland was the shining symbol of a Liverpool display which reminded everyone of their championship form as the Spanish side was defeated.
Trent, beginning from the sidelines, constantly received in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate about 'the Scouser in our team' currently view him.
The occasion proved marked by continuous negativity targeted at Alexander-Arnold, starting with his public artwork being vandalised with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game and the stadium's fury provoked by what many the faithful view as disloyalty.
Conor Bradley intensified the fury and scorn directed towards Trent through an outstanding performance that reduced the formidable opposing winger to a spectator, only able to offer theatrics – unconvincing antics – in the face of Bradley's commanding presence.
All his interventions received roaring approval, every pass greeted with Anfield's approval, his name chanted enthusiastically, not just for his own efforts plus an audible message to Alexander-Arnold that there was a new kid on the scene, establishing him as a figure from the past.
Naturally, the defender, earned plaudits by the team's boss.
The defender was magnificent, he said. To be up against Vinicius so many times one against one tests any defender, yet he excelled.
Had the graffiti displayed on the defender's tribute failed to warn him regarding the coming hostility, there was unmistakable evidence when he trotted on alongside the Spanish squad's backups before kick-off, negative reactions filling the air, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name called.
At the moment when he would miss the total criticism, the Spanish side's coach introduced him as a late replacement during their comeback effort the home team's advantage, rightfully earned by Mac Allister's headed goal early in the second half.
The response to Alexander-Arnold's arrival appeared harsh, plus sarcastic shouts that greeted a late cross which sailed harmlessly into touch.
The defender's brief, negative showing was played out to the sound of Liverpool's fans reminding him of those who had stayed loyal through potential moves to depart Liverpool, particularly ex-skipper Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.
This match showcased Liverpool, 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 team, earlier inconsistent after multiple losses until their recent victory last weekend, responded with a performance which ranked among their finest during this campaign, a crucial indication regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.
Slot relished Liverpool's return to successful results, stating: Winning matches proves more enjoyable rather than losing matches. If you lose, then it takes your complete attention because you so badly want to change it, but you also try to stay consistent and personality during successful periods.
Merely the presence of brilliant Real keeper Thibaut Courtois that threatened denied the Reds their deserved result, through an outstanding personal display which recalled previous encounters of how he defied them during their defeat under Klopp the continental decider in Paris.
The goalkeeper delivered multiple outstanding stops, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai plus an incredible reaction save from the defender's headed attempt, before even he was powerless by the Argentine's aerial finish from the Hungarian's free-kick.
Liverpool's narrow victory margin hardly reflects total command from start to finish, these important points elevating them to sixth in the tournament ranking, a standing that will put them in the last 16 avoiding the requirement of extra games if continued.
Szoboszlai and Mac Allister ruled the engine room, while Florian Wirtz provided creative flourishes from his Leverkusen days. The forward remained dangerous throughout the match.
The Reds, contrasting with previous recent performances, extremely solid in defense while Mbappe became ineffective, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. Vinicius had been beaten by Bradley long before the end.
Although representing a tough occasion for Alexander-Arnold, it was not much better for Bellingham, presented with the Anfield platform to demonstrate again of his class prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.
The midfielder produced one opportunity in the first half when he forced Giorgi Mamardashvili to use his feet, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|
