Conor Bradley was superb against Real Madrid to show losing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free to the Spanish giants would not be a total disaster

But Alexander-Arnold did not start at Anfield, only being fit enough for the bench after a minor injury. In his stead, Bradley started at right-back for the second consecutive match. And maybe Real Madrid will change their mind about which Liverpool right-back to go for next summer.

Premier League leaders Liverpool defeated Los Blancos 2-0 at Anfield via goals in the second half from Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister, but it was at the other end of the pitch where the most telling indictment of Real's current stumbles could be found.