Stats: How a 22-year-old full-back made Real Madrid’s star attackers look ordinary at Anfield | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s narrow 0-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield came down to the finest of margins, as manager Xabi Alonso later admitted. 

Yet, beyond the tactics and missed chances, it was the individual duels that truly shaped the outcome of this highly anticipated Champions League encounter.

Heading into the game, Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe were expected to spearhead Real Madrid’s attack and give Liverpool’s backline a night to remember. 

But what unfolded instead was a masterclass in defensive discipline from Conor Bradley, whose fearless performance stunned the Spanish giants and silenced two of world football’s most dangerous forwards.

No answer against the Liverpool full-back

Vinicius arrived at Anfield as Liverpool’s long-standing nemesis as his record against the Reds was spotless – five goals in five matches and not a single defeat. 

The Brazilian had tormented Liverpool defenders time and again, thriving in the electric Anfield atmosphere. 

However, this time, his streak was broken by a 22-year-old who delivered a defensive performance worthy of a standing ovation.

Bradley was simply untouchable. The right-back completed 100% of his tackles (3/3), dominated eight of his 13 duels, and earned the title of ‘Man of the Match’ for his flawless display. 

Vinicius, by contrast, endured a rare off-night as he finished the match without a single shot on target, failed both of his attempted dribbles, and lost possession 20 times.

For context, when combining Bradley’s defensive displays against Mbappe earlier in 2024 and now Vinicius Jr. this season, his numbers are remarkable as he recorded two clean sheets, seven tackles, 14 duels won, and four fouls drawn. 

Liverpool’s win was built not only on Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive strike but also on the relentless defensive work of a young full-back who continues to rise in stature. 

This should serve as a reminder for Alonso that he just cannot continue to rely on his attacking outlays to get his team through.