Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t hide his relief at not having to face Vinicius Jr anymore - a feeling that will come as no surprise to Liverpool fans.
Alexander-Arnold played his third game since completing his move to Real Madrid this week as the Spanish giant secured its place in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia.
Although he’s yet to record an assist or goal for his new club, the 26-year-old enjoyed his best outing for Madrid so far as he was given more freedom to attack by Xabi Alonso in a tweaked system.
It was Vinicius who really caught the eye though, scoring Madrid’s opener before bagging an assist minutes later as Federico Valverde doubled the lead before half-time.
And having suffered at the hands of the Brazilian on plenty of occasions during his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold is more than happy to find himself on the same side now.
"He's (Vinicius) given me a lot of very difficult games in the past, so it's good for it to be happening to other people rather than me now!" Alexander-Arnold told DAZN after the game.
Liverpool fans will of course know all about what their former right-back is referring to. Alexander-Arnold never found himself on the winning team when he came up against Vinicius for his hometown club, and the Brazilian was responsible for one of the right-back’s most heartbreaking moments with the Reds.
Referee Clement Turpin separates Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the 2022 Champions League final
Referee Clement Turpin separates Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the 2022 Champions League final
Vinicius scored the winner in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, with Alexander-Arnold coming in for criticism after losing him at the back post.
After an inauspicious start to life with Los Blancos, Alexander-Arnold does seem to be growing into his new club now, and will be hoping he can help them become world champions this summer.
Real are back in action on July 1 as they face Juventus in the last-16 in Miami, with the possibility of a replay of the 2024 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund awaiting in the quarter-finals.
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Opening up on his experience with Madrid so far, Alexander-Arnold said: "Every player is impressing me. From when I played against Real Madrid, [I knew] all the players are world class.
"But just the way the lads are; when you come in, you expect it to be very intimidating, you don’t know what to expect. But it was very warm, very welcoming, they made me feel at home straight away, which was amazing.
"It allows me to play as well as I can and today coming into the game, I was confident to go and perform. The settlement period now is done.
"It’s about kicking on and being the best player that I can be and giving the best for the team and helping the team win as many games as possible starting with this competition.”