Liverpool secured an impressive 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, maintaining their perfect record in this season’s competition.

Manager Arne Slot singled out Conor Bradley for special praise following the young defender's stellar performance at Anfield.

The 21-year-old, deputising at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold only fit enough for a place on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury, delivered an exceptional all-action display. Tasked with marking Kylian Mbappé—arguably the best player in the world—Bradley rose to the challenge emphatically.

In the first half, Bradley halted a dangerous Real Madrid counter-attack with a thunderous tackle on Mbappé. Later, in the second half, he had a header saved by Thibaut Courtois before providing the assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal.

Liverpool’s Academy graduates shone throughout the match. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made a crucial save from Mbappé’s penalty to preserve Liverpool's lead, while Curtis Jones impressed with a commanding performance in midfield. Substitute Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s advantage with a late header to seal the win.

Speaking after the match, Slot was effusive in his praise for the club’s youth products:

“I think it’s fantastic for Conor, for his family, and for the Academy. To see a player who has come through the ranks perform so well is a real testament to the Academy’s work.

“Not just him—Caoimh was outstanding today, Curtis was outstanding today. It’s a big compliment to the Academy to have three players contributing at such a high level.

“Conor did brilliantly. But I’m not at all surprised by his performance because he has shown his quality consistently, both last season and this season in training sessions and matches. It’s wonderful to see.”

Liverpool remain the only side with a 100 per cent record in this year’s Champions League, underscoring their dominance in the competition so far.