Published: 22:32, 4 November 2025 | Updated: 22:32, 4 November 2025

At one end of Anfield, on the front rows of the Real Madrid section, there was a marriage proposal before kick-off. Happily, it appeared to be accepted.

Elsewhere, the bitterness and rancour of a recent divorce remained audible and visible. For Trent Alexander Arnold and Liverpool, it seems cordiality and respect will never return.

'Trent', they used to call him round here. Now, it's 'rat'. On the mural that depicts a local boy's rise to stardom near this famous stadium, that emotively disparaging word had even been adapted for his first visit here with his new club. 'El Rato', it said in white graffiti paint. Message received and understood in whichever language you choose to use.

Alexander-Arnold wasn't even playing on this occasion. Injury - from which he has only just recovered - limited him to a seat on the substitutes bench until 10 late and spectacularly unproductive minutes. Nevertheless, he will not have been surprised by what came his way.

Booed on to the field for the warm-ups, he merely smiled in...