Xabi Alonso says Trent Alexander-Arnold was ready to face a hostile reception on his first return to Anfield with Real Madrid but admits his side left Liverpool with a 'bitter taste' because of their defeat. The England international was met with boos from the home crowd during the warm-up and even louder jeers when he was introduced for the final nine minutes of the Reds' 1-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday evening.

Alexander-Arnold, whose mural near the stadium was vandalised earlier in the day, was booed by the passionate home crowd every time he touched the ball and received a similar response when leaving the pitch after the final whistle. When questioned about his decision to bring on Alexander-Arnold, Alonso responded: "It was an intense game, and we know the atmosphere in Anfield on a Champions League night in a European 'Clasico'.

"We needed his quality and we needed his threat from the wing. (His reception) could be expected. He is professional and mature. He was ready for that, no problem."

The only goal of the match came shortly after the hour mark when Alexis Mac...