Bradley’s Defensive Masterclass Propels Liverpool Past Real Madrid – Man of the Match | OneFootball

Bradley Stars in Liverpool’s Statement Victory Over Real Madrid at Anfield

This was always going to be an intriguing battle between two genuine super heavyweights of the footballing world. As fifteen-time European Champions, Real Madrid, continue to assemble a new age of Galactico, the six-time winners of this same competition, Liverpool FC, strive to regenerate away from their esteemed predecessor, Jürgen Klopp. Arne Slot wanted to make a statement this evening and he needed some big performances to ensure that happened.

This encounter under the famed Anfield lights was about controlling key territories on the turf and staying resilient against some world-class individuals. With the world’s supposed best-attacking player, Kylian Mbappé, tasked into the left side of Real Madrid’s attack, it was always going to represent the biggest challenge (so far) of Conor Bradley’s limited career.

From the outset of this stellar encounter, the young Irishman was superb and mature in his defensive output, as he limited the France international forward to very few opportunities to shine. With some strong tackles and a robust nature to his work, the right-back understudy was able to offer brilliant support as his confidence grew by the minute.

In the second half, the 21-year-old nearly opened the scoring after ghosting into the Madrid penalty area, before seeing his very fine header expertly saved by the gigantic goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.

Moments later, the attack-minded fullback became the sublime provider of an assist, as a perfectly weighted one-two with his Argentine teammate, Alexis Mac Allister, saw the World Cup winner able to drive a low shot into the net to open the scoring.

With the gossip continuing to swirl around the future of Liverpool’s vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, the right-back position is no longer a position that would be departed with nowhere to turn, if the famed academy graduate were to leave in the summer.

Though it is far too early to be placing huge pressure on the shoulders of this evening’s man of the match, these types of performances will only see his and the supporter’s confidence grow.

A wonderful game and a truly remarkable game by the 21-year-old Man of the Match.

Manchester City next, where jubilant could become euphoria.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Real Madrid