The stadium rose with applause when Trent Alexander-Arnold, the former Liverpool right-back, was taken off during his La Liga debut - but Real Madrid fans were actually cheering Dani Carvajal.

The 26-year-old ended his 20-year stint with the Reds last season before his contract was set to expire at the end of June.

Real Madrid shelled out around $13 million (£10 million) to the Reds for his early release, enabling him to play in the Club World Cup across the United States.

Alexander-Arnold played in several matches but was absent from Real Madrid's 4-0 semi-final loss to PSG in New Jersey due to injury.

What Real Madrid supporters did after Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced on La Liga debut	Spanish press share their verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's La Liga debut after leaving Liverpool	Spanish media react to Trent Alexander-Arnold La Liga debut

He was replaced in the 68th minute as the entire Santiago Bernabeu stood up to welcome Dani Carvajal, who was making his first appearance for Los Blancos in nearly a year after recovering from an ACL injury.

After the match, the former Reds full-back shared a message on Instagram, writing: "Incredible sensation to play in my new home.

Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back of Real Madrid and England during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Trent is nowhere near the Liverpool player

He added an emoji of a crown and the word "History".

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold should do well at Real Madrid but the fans love Carvajal