Liverpool enjoyed a second win in a row, with Conor Bradley instrumental in the 1-0 win over Real Madrid, while Trent Alexander-Arnold will want to forget his first game back at Anfield
Conor Bradley and Vinicius Junior
Conor Bradley kept Vinicius Junior quiet at Anfield
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Liverpool have continued their return to form with a 1-0 win over Champions League opponents Real Madrid - and some fans in the Liverpool Echo comments section are full of praise for the instrumental role that young Reds right-back Conor Bradley played in keeping Real's fearsome forwards quiet.
Coming from a convincing 2-0 win against Aston Villa at the weekend, Liverpool were out to prove that they had shaken off the malaise that has hung over the early part of the season. Keeping La Liga leaders Real Madrid at bay, and securing a 1-0 win at home that stands them in good stead as the Champions League's opening phase goes on, will have helped.
Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the game, putting a second-half header past an imposing Thibaut Courtois. But it was the right-backs who became the focus of the night, with Conor Bradley putting in a vital shift to prevent Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior from combining to deadly effect, as they often have in the Spanish league.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was the target of boos during the warm-up drills, and again when he was introduced with a mere nine minutes to go. He has made a limited impact at Real Madrid since signing for them in the summer, with the Spanish club parting with £10million to ensure he was in position in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Some fans were full of praise for the young man who's stepped into Alexander-Arnold's boots. Reader Uko says: "Quote of the night goes to Robbie Fowler, saying that when Vinicius Jr goes to bed tonight, he'll find Connor Bradley there.
"What an outstanding game by the young lad. Last season it was Mbappe. so he's now got the better of two of the best players in the world. Madrid will be kicking themselves. as they recruited the wrong full-back."
Commenter RedJock writes: "What a great team performance. Bradley was the best, had Vini in his back pocket. If we had scored three it wouldn't have flattered us. Still concerned about Salah and the lack of goals from the front three, but take nothing away from the players. Brilliant."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid shakes hands with Liverpool manager Arne Slot at full-time following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold didn't have an enjoyable night back at Anfield
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Doctorchillgood says: "Great team effort and result — they’re fighting their way back to full flow. The crowd played its part, though the boos for Trent and the counter-reaction took a bit of shine off it; bringing him on might’ve been Xavi’s way of unsettling the place a bit, taking the edge off that boss, buzzing atmosphere.
"Bradley’s display and Robbo’s experience brought the kind of stability on the flanks that was absolutely essential against RM. Mac and Ryan added real steel in midfield, while Szlobo and Wirtz looked far more in sync — Wirtz in particular seemed more integrated, even if a few of his smarter moves caught his team-mates by surprise, and he sometimes had to give them a shout or two to not overlook him being in promising positions."
Earlgrey writes: "Very good game from Bradley! Controlling Vinicius like that is very impressive! Robertson too seems intent on holding down his spot - of the two options, he is the safest pair of feet.
Aw01 writes: "Penny for Trent’s thoughts, watching Conor’s masterclass."
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