Conor Bradley was driven through the passionate backing of the home crowd's love, as Alexander-Arnold – the hometown hero who moved on from Anfield – was given a brutal and hostile reminder about his diminished standing.
The young defender was marked as Alexander-Arnold's heir apparent from the moment his departure was confirmed to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, so once the fates paired the two European superpowers together in the Champions League, the scene was prepared.
And what a contrast with the Northern Irish full-back was the shining symbol in a Liverpool performance which reminded everyone to their Premier League title-winning best as Real Madrid were swept aside.
Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, constantly received in no doubt how the crowd that used to celebrate his local hero status now regard him.
This was an event filled with persistent hostility directed towards the defender, from his mural near Anfield damaged with the words "Adios El Rata" before the game to the Anfield anger provoked by what many the faithful view as his betrayal.
Bradley actually fuelled the anger and disdain targeted at his predecessor via a superb showing which minimized the threat of Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – ineffective dramatics – confronting the youngster's physical dominance.
All his interventions received roaring approval, all his balls welcomed by positive reactions, vocals celebrating him with gusto, not just for his own efforts and as a clear signal towards Trent that there was a new kid in town, that he was now firmly part of history.
Expectedly, Bradley, garnered praise by the team's boss.
Conor Bradley was outstanding, he said. Facing Vinicius in multiple direct confrontations proves challenging for most, yet he excelled.
Had the graffiti displayed on Trent's public artwork did not make him aware about the reception awaiting, he was left in no doubt when he trotted on to warm-up as one of the visiting team's reserves ahead of the game, jeers ringing around Anfield, the sound of disapproval heard again as his name called.
At the moment when he could avoid the full-scale vitriol, the visiting team's manager brought him on as a second-half change while attempting to equalize Liverpool's lead, rightfully earned by the midfielder's aerial finish early in the second half.
Reaction to Trent's entrance was savage, as were the mocking jeers after an errant pass that drifted aimlessly out of play.
Alexander-Arnold's unhappy cameo was played out to the sound the crowd referencing individuals showing commitment amid transfer interest to depart Liverpool, specifically club legend Steven Gerrard, who watched on from the stands.
This was Liverpool's night, Bradley's night – a classic Anfield atmosphere as the presence of their former star became extra fuel to increase the intensity.
The team, earlier inconsistent with six defeats in seven games before Aston Villa were beaten on Saturday, delivered a display that represented their peak in recent months, a timely reminder regarding the level that enabled them secure the trophy.
Slot relished Liverpool's return to winning ways, stating: Victories bring greater satisfaction rather than losing matches. Losses demand your complete attention as you intensely desire to change it, yet you attempt to stay consistent and character during successful periods.
Solely the performance of brilliant Real keeper Courtois who nearly to stop Liverpool getting what they merited, via a remarkable showing which recalled previous encounters where he stopped them in the previous final loss the European showpiece in the French capital.
The goalkeeper delivered multiple of magnificent saves, including four from Dominik Szoboszlai and a remarkable reflex stop against Van Dijk's aerial effort, until eventually he couldn't prevent to stop Mac Allister's header from the Hungarian's free-kick.
The slim winning difference does not touch the sides of total command from start to finish, this significant victory elevating them to sixth in the European standings, a standing that will put them knockout stage advancement avoiding the requirement for additional matches if sustained.
The midfield duo dominated midfield, as Wirtz delivered elegant moments during his German career. The forward remained dangerous during the game.
The Reds, contrasting with previous this season, rock solid in defense as Kylian Mbappe was marginalised, producing a poor, mistake-filled performance. The Brazilian was defeated by the defender early on.
If it was a miserable night for the defender, the situation proved similarly challenging for Jude Bellingham, given the Liverpool setting to demonstrate again his ability prior to the Three Lions boss selects his roster for the upcoming internationals after excluding him last time.
The midfielder produced one opportunity during the opening period making the goalkeeper save to save with his legs, but offered little else {as Real failed to establish|