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Xabi Alonso and Jude Bellingham both brushed off the jeers directed at Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League.
And while the pair admitted that the Reds were the worthy winners in the game because Real Madrid didn't create enough chances, they said it was a tight clash between two well-matched sides at Anfield, settled by a header from Alexis Mac Allister around a quarter of an hour into the second half.
"It was really tight, tight game," Alonso told Amazon Prime post-match. "The momentum, they got the lead, and after we tried, it was always going to be an intense game.
"Unluckily, we couldn't get anything. We have tried, for sure, we have reached the last line, but we didn't create that many chances as expected."
Arne Slot was very pleased with how his team defended. Conor Bradley, in particular, was able to get the better of his direct opponent, Vinicius Jr, while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate contained Kylian Mbappe.
"I think the scoreline reflects the game," Bellingham said. "They slightly edged it in the second half they brought a bit more.
"Second half, their momentum took over and they edged it. After they scored, it felt like we wanted to force things a little too much.
"Things to learn, still really early in the season and still early in the Champions League campaign. We were a lot worse off last season and still managed to get through."
A sideshow to the main event of the game, Alexander-Arnold was booed onto the field when he replaced the young Turkish playmaker Arda Guler and then jeered on every touch.
"Well, it could be expected," Alonso said. "He was focused and wanted to be part of it.
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"So first time. He has challenges for him — it is new experience. Step by step, but we are happy we have him."
Bellingham added., "Obviously, it is one of those things in football. The fans booing isn't a reflection of how they feel about him.
"I think it is more to give their team the edge and throw him off a little bit. I am sure they're appreciative of what he has done for the club. It is one of those things."
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