The 18-year-old academy product stood over the dead ball with the more experienced Alberto Moreno, Emre Can and Roberto Firmino but, in Philippe Coutinho's absence, it was Alexander-Arnold who swept the ball home on his European debut.
Jurgen Klopp later revealed that he had told the youngster he had to take Liverpool's free-kicks in threatening areas, but Alexander-Arnold still expected to be over-ruled because of his relative inexperience.
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“It is indescribable to be honest," he said after Liverpool's victory. "Special in so many different ways for me personally and I've definitely ticked the box off.
“At first I didn't know it was going to go in but it was well placed and I thought it was a good free-kick and I was happy it went in.
“I've been practising free-kicks but I didn't think the senior players would let me take it to be honest, but in the end they did and I stepped up and scored and did well for the team.”
Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool captain and now the club's Under-18s manager, hailed Alexander-Arnold's display as "special" and warned injured first-choice right back Nathaniel Clyne that he faces a fight for his place.
“It's always good to get compliments from your idol and I am hoping to live up to his words,” the 18-year-old said of Gerrard. “It is always good to have his backing and support.”
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