It was the moment that lit the fuse at Anfield.

Kylian Mbappé had cleared Alexis Mac Allister on the left when Real Madrid counter-attacked shortly after the half-hour mark.

The danger was clear, but a fearless young Northern Irishman with no regard for great reputations took power. Conor Bradley stormed across and scored a cracking tackle just outside the penalty area.

It was a perfect illustration of timing and controlled aggression. As Mbappe was unceremoniously dumped on the grass and Bradley emerged triumphant with the ball at his feet, Anfield roared its approval.

One of the best tackles you’ll see from Conor Bradley on Kylian Mbappé ⛔ pic.twitter.com/Ucn29ejXPn

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024

Even the goals that followed in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo did not provoke such a vociferous reaction.

This was the biggest test of Bradley’s career and he passed it with flying colors. He helped Liverpool beat Real Madrid for the first time since 2009 and maintain their 100 percent record in the Champions League.

Bradley was impressive defensively and made it a miserable evening for Mbappe, but the 21-year-old right-back also made a significant impact offensively. He saw a header expertly kept out by Thibaut Courtois before providing the assist for Mac Allister’s goal.

The Kop chanted Bradley’s name repeatedly before giving him a standing ovation when he was substituted late after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

“It’s nice for Conor, his family, for us, but it’s also very nice for the academy that a player who came through the ranks performed so well,” said Arne Slot.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that he is doing so well, because he showed that last season and this season in training and competitions.”

Lock with Bradley after the right-back was substituted (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

Bradley completed 41 of his 49 passes (84 percent) and won eight of his twelve duels (67 percent). He also won possession nine times, more than anyone else on the pitch.

“Conor was excellent,” fellow full-back Andy Robertson told LFCTV. “He had to be patient this season, but it was an important game and he stepped up.

“Different class. I’m not sure what happened when he left, but hopefully he’s okay because he’s a very important player. The loudest cheering was when Conor made the big tackle in the first half.”

With Trent Alexander-Arnold recovering from injury, Bradley is unlikely to start against Manchester City on Sunday even if he is deemed fit, but this was a timely reminder of his ability.

After making 23 appearances in all competitions in 2023-24 and earning plenty of plaudits, Bradley’s playing time is more limited under Slot. Alexander-Arnold had started every Premier League and Champions League match before damaging his hamstring against Aston Villa this month. Liverpool are blessed with a stand-in of such a high caliber.

If Alexander-Arnold decides to join Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season, it would be a bitter pill to swallow. The homegrown vice-captain is a generational talent, with a fortune of £100 million ($126 million). No one else in Europe has his all-round skills in that role. Liverpool are still hopeful he will sign an extension.

But if an agreement cannot be reached, Bradley, waiting in the wings, softens the blow.

Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher also played a key role in beating the European champions on Tuesday, making it an unforgettable evening for Liverpool’s youth academy.

Jones, who was involved in the opening goal and completed 55 of his 59 passes (93 percent), was the favorite of the England midfielders on display as he shadowed Jude Bellingham with his swagger in possession. Slot’s decision to play Jones, 23, ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai paid off.

As for Kelleher, the way he has replaced Alisson in recent months has been remarkable. The Republic of Ireland international has now saved three of the four penalties he has conceded in all competitions (excluding shootouts) for Liverpool after diving full length to his left to keep out Mbappe’s spot-kick.

Kelleher, 26, has also won more penalty shootouts (four) than any goalkeeper in the club’s history.

Kelleher brilliantly saves Mbappé’s penalty (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“I thought Caoimhin was a bit bored so I thought I might as well give my mate something to do,” joked Robertson, who brought down Lucas Vazquez in the penalty area as the hosts were 1-0 up.

“Luckily that mistake wasn’t punished and we were able to shake it off and go again. Caoimhin was sensational. A phenomenal ‘keeper. We are very blessed to have two absolute world class goalkeepers. People often talk about ‘world class’, but I don’t think it’s wrong to say that Caoimhin is above that.

“The biggest compliment you can give him is that you can’t see Alisson is missing – and Alisson is the best in the world. He did an incredible amount for us while Alisson was away.”

Slot will not bench Alisson if he returns soon, but it does not feel good that Kelleher will lose his place.

“Every decision I have to make is difficult because we have so many quality players,” Slot said. “I’ve been clear about that situation, but that’s not what tonight should be about. It should be about Caoimhin who is so important. It (the penalty save) was a special moment for him, so let that be the headline.”

After suffering so much at the hands of Real Madrid during Jurgen Klopp’s reign, this was a sweet and impressive triumph.

Liverpool’s dominance was such that going into stoppage time the only shot on target the visitors had mustered came from Mbappe’s saved penalty.

Slot’s team has brushed aside AC Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig, German champions Bayer Leverkusen and Spanish champions Real Madrid, while conceding one goal.

They look down on the rest at home and in Europe with 17 wins out of 19 in all competitions. Claiming such a scalp is the perfect preparation to welcome a wounded Manchester City to Anfield.

The momentum and belief continues to grow. A night to cherish was sparked by a thumping, momentous challenge.

(Top photo: Bradley dumps Mbappe to the ground, wins the ball and all; Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)