Anfield erupts and fans rave as Bradley’s thumping tackle on Mbappe goes viral

Conor Bradley thrilled Anfield on Wednesday night when he ran into Kylian Mbappe with a fantastic challenge.

Bradley started at right-back in the heavyweight Champions League match, which saw Liverpool dominate the defending champions and finish 2-0 at the top to continue their perfect start to the competition.

The Reds' usual right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was on the bench for the home side as he recovers from a hamstring injury that kept him out of England's win over Southampton on Sunday.

But there he stayed, meaning the 26-year-old didn't get a point against the team eyeing a move for him – and many in the team expect him to feature next season as his contract is still expiring.

However, Bradley made sure he wasn't missed with an impressive performance in defense at Anfield, dealing with both Mbappe and Jude Bellingham with ease.

And there was a particular moment that caught the eye during the first half of the match, when the Northern Irishman stepped up to the former World Cup winner and won the ball brutally, but fairly, with a thumping challenge.

Mbappe received the ball on the left and led a Madrid counter, with the Liverpool defense out of shape and players out of position.

Alexis Mac Allister, who scored the opening goal of the match for Liverpool, found himself in a race with Mbappe – a race he would almost certainly lose if the forward wanted to announce himself in the match after a difficult start.

Bradley found himself covering centrally, with Andrew Robertson also back and the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch also trying to get back.

And possibly realizing that Mac Allister was fighting a losing battle, Bradley took it upon himself to run across the pitch and make a sliding challenge on Mbappe, who was sent into the penalty area.

However, the ball was won fairly, with replays showing the 21-year-old's right foot clearly winning the ball as Mbappe tried to cut into him.

Bradley also got up to retrieve the ball and play on, with Mbappe looking frustrated as he chased him down in an attempt to win the ball back.

The crowd inside Anfield erupted in cheers as they watched the youngster get the better of one of the best players in the world, with Ally McCoist saying on TNT Sports: 'I think the rest of Anfield, like me, is a little got a bit. a shock when they initially saw Mbappe running away.”

Fans also took to social media to praise Bradley, who could see a lot more action next season if Alexander-Arnold leaves the club.

“Conor Bradley, take a bow,” said a fan on X, formerly Twitter. 'Incredible tackle on Mbappé.'

Another wrote: 'That tackle from Conor Bradley had me applauding.'

A third added: 'That tackle from Bradley on Mbappe is one of the best tackles at Anfield since Gerrard retired.'

Alexander-Arnold, who has been at Liverpool since childhood, is around five weeks away from agreeing a pre-contract deal with another club as his contract expires in the summer.

He has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid, with it looking likely that he will either join the European champions or stay at Liverpool.

Bradley, who signed a new long-term contract with the Reds a year ago, left injured in the second half and was replaced by Joe Gomez.

Reds boss Arne Slot gave an update on his situation after the match. When asked if he knew the extent of the injury, as well as Konate's, the Dutchman replied: 'No. Not yet. know where they are hurting, but it's hard to judge so close after the game.

“This is what happens in the season. This happens. I really hope they are both available to play [Sunday] But if not, then someone else has to step up and everyone has stepped up so far this season.”