Conor Bradley Shines as Liverpool Outmuscle Real Madrid on Alexander-Arnold’s Return
Northern Ireland right-back Conor Bradley displayed remarkable composure and intensity, setting the tone for a renewed Liverpool performance at Anfield. As the soaked and passionate crowd prepared for one last push from Real Madrid, the game’s storyline, which had felt almost scripted all evening, threatened to take a decisive turn.
Trent Alexander-Arnold prepared to deliver one of his trademark dipping crosses, a skill that has yielded many rewards for Liverpool over the years. There was a fleeting hope that if executed well, Alexander-Arnold could help Liverpool earn a point they had scarcely deserved.
However, Real Madrid’s attack had largely failed to provide Alexander-Arnold with a clear target. When his cross sailed into empty space with Vinícius Júnior half-heartedly chasing, a familiar barrier confronted the Brazilian winger. In an earlier moment near the byline, Bradley had boldly and cleanly robbed Vinícius, and he refused to let anything slip this time either.
By clearing the ball as his opponent fell in desperate attempt, Liverpool’s right-back completed an impressive defensive performance that made all distractions irrelevant.
This was a significant triumph for Bradley, who seems eager to face La Liga’s top teams regularly. Nearly a year earlier, he had subdued Kylian Mbappé during a 2-0 victory over a less formidable Real Madrid side. Tonight, he successfully contained the more naturally skilled Vinícius, denying him any opportunity to impact the game.
"Conor Bradley had thundered through the Brazilian, perfectly cleanly, near the byline in his previous foray and was not about to let anything go now."
"Almost a year ago he had ground Kylian Mbappé into submission here when a similarly dopey Real were beaten 2-0."
Author's summary: Conor Bradley's confident and relentless defending energized Liverpool, neutralizing Real Madrid's threats and highlighting his growing reputation against top-tier opponents.