Trent Alexander-Arnold had the hostile homecoming that many were expecting.
The Reds looked to be getting back on track after winning back-to-back games, with this being one of the biggest results of the season after beating Real Madrid 1-0.
The game was overshadowed beforehand by Alexander-Arnold returning to Anfield for the first time since his controversial departure, with it being safe to say he was not welcomed back with open arms.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
His name was booed over the PA system, as well as when he came out to warm up and when he came on as a substitute, with Liverpool fans making their feelings known.
Some rival fans may not quite understand why a player who achieved so much would be booed like that, but Jamie Carragher summed it up perfectly.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF jogs during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at AnfieldMD4
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher says Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘hoodwinked’ Liverpool fans
Before the game, some fans were caught in two minds over the reaction they felt they should give the scouser, with some saying they would applaud, while the majority said they would boo.
It would not have been the nicest thing in the world for the former Red, although he has made his bed so must lie in it, with Carragher’s explanation of why fans reacted like that showing just how badly he handled the situation.
“I think the supporters decide what time of reception he gets,” he said on CBS.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“Trent throughout his 20s said he has played the position of ‘I’m a supporter on the pitch,’ but those supporters who are all in the stadium wouldn’t leave on a free transfer to join Real Madrid.
“It’s his career, you only get one career, he’s a young man, been brilliantly successful at the club, but what he has said since he got in the Liverpool team, if it were true that Liverpool were the only team for him, wanted to be captain, wants to be a legend, then you don’t leave when you’ve just won the league title.
“Or when you’ve got the opportunity to win more trophies with your club, then join a team who’s beaten you twice in a Champions League final.
“I totally understand the reaction, and most of it is because they believe they have been hoodwinked by a lot of it and by Trent throughout the process of him being at the club.
READ MORE: Forget Trent, Jeremie Frimpong should be worried about what Conor Bradley did vs Real Madrid
“Also in the last year as he did no media interviews, didn’t get involved in anything where there was talk around him, Salah and van Dijk.
“They were coming out constantly in the press saying they wanted to stay, but Trent was very silent on the issue and that’s where the frustration comes from the supporters.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a night to forget
Trent has not had the best start to life at Madrid due to injuries and poor performances meaning that he has often found himself out of the side.
The same happened at Anfield as he started on the bench, with midfielder Federico Valverde playing at right-back instead of him.
He came on with just nine minutes of the 90 remaining too, failing to make any sort of impact.
Combine that with the result and the reception he got from fans who used to adore him, and all in all, it could be said that he has made a very big mistake.