Conor Bradley put in a performance beyond his years as Liverpool continued their perfect Champions League start with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

In the build up to this game, there was a bit of focus on Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman is out of contract in the summer, and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos have reportedly been interested for some time, but as the months wind down on Alexander-Arnold’s contract, the more it becomes a possibility.

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.

Bradley had the unenviable task of marking Kylian Mbappe at Anfield on Wednesday night. While Mbappe isn’t in the best run of form, he’s still Mbappe. And when he does turn up, the Frenchman is of course one of the best players in the world. Although Mbappe might be a slightly easier opponent than the injured Vinicius Junior.

That certainly was the case on Wednesday, but because Bradley and Co. made it so. In what was a lively first half, the crowd got off their feet most for a tackle from Bradley. Mbappe looked to be racing through on goal, but in came the Northern Irish defender to clatter the Frenchman as well as getting the ball. A fair tackle and a brilliant one. Bradley seemed to grow in confidence from that, knowing he was going to be just fine.

Bradley made four tackles during his time on the pitch, more than any other Liverpool player. He also won more fouls than any of his teammates with three. Real Madrid were getting frustrated with the 21-year-old and how he was successfully dealing with their team. The Northern Irishman had 69 touches and completed 41 of his 48 attempted passes, while winning eight duels and winning possession nine times — both highs among Liverpool players.

Bradley also played a part in Liverpool’s opening goal. A lot of the work was done by a brilliant run from Alexis Mac Allister, but Bradley was at the heart of the neat one-two with the Argentine.

Fans are all praise for Bradley after seeing him bully Kylian Mbappe and also get involved in the goal, as here are some reactions from X (Twitter).

Barry: “Conor Bradley putting in this performance with all the context around this game is absolutely sensational. Such a great talent.”

Laurie: “Bradley assist, could have scored and put in a tackle that we’ll have on repeat for years. Having the game of his life tonight.”

Carlos Hoosier: “Jones and Bradley both having great games. Academy doing us proud here.”

James: “Keeping Mbappe silent so far and getting an assist vs Real Madrid, the world will learn about Conor Bradley.”

The Moss: “Bradley’s excellence is gonna have a massive impact on Trent’s negotiating powers. He is no Trent but clearly good enough to play for Liverpool.”

Despite having to come off with a hamstring injury, Conor Bradley can look back on Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid with pride – the supporters will make sure of that.

Bradley was aided by the man alongside him, Ibrahima Konate, who continues to blossom as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner. Konate made two interceptions and one clearance, as well as winning all five of his duels.

The defence as a whole clearly got into Mbappe’s head, as he missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. Andy Robertson was the one to commit the foul, bringing down Lucas Vazquez. But Mbappe’s shot was poor, making it an easy save for Caoimhin Kelleher — his third penalty save from four across all competitions for Liverpool (excluding shootouts).

Liverpool missed their own penalty, but Mohamed Salah shot off the post and wide after Ferland Mendy fouled him in the area. Liverpool seldom appeared out of control once they took the lead, but Cody Gakpo headed in from a corner to seal the victory.

Liverpool is currently unbeaten in the Champions League after winning five of their last five games. It is only the second time the Reds have won their first five games in a major European campaign and their first win against Real Madrid since 2009.