Liverpool‘s flawless beginning to their Champions League run came to an abrupt halt as Fenerbahce staged an extraordinary second-half fightback to earn a famous win in Istanbul.
The away side went in front twice thanks to Trey Nyoni and substitute Alexander Isak, but Dirk Kuyt’s team were not willing to give up. Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi scored within four minutes of each other to flip the match on its head and give Fenerbahce their first Champions League triumph of the campaign.
Fenerbahce comeback stuns Liverpool in Istanbul
Kuyt, who played for both clubs during his career, has been serving as Fenerbahce’s interim head coach. His tenure is set to conclude on Thursday, when former Newcastle player Emre Belozoglu takes permanent charge. Nevertheless, the Dutchman enjoyed a farewell to remember as his side brought an end to Liverpool’s perfect record.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola made five alterations after the weekend loss to Arsenal, with Bradley Barcola spearheading the attack. Fenerbahce, for their part, named a starting XI boasting over 1,000 combined Premier League appearances, including Ederson, N’Golo Kanté, and Romelu Lukaku.
The visitors began brighter and broke the deadlock when Nyoni’s volley deflected off Kojo Peprah Oppong and flew beyond Ederson. It was the 19-year-old’s first goal for Liverpool and their first against a Turkish side on Turkish soil since Kuyt netted against Trabzonspor in 2010.
Mason Greenwood cancels out Liverpool’s opener
Fenerbahce hit back swiftly after conceding, with Mason Greenwood levelling through a set-piece. His free-kick clipped Jeremy Jacquet, leaving Alisson helpless to stop the ball from going in.
The sides went in level at the interval, prompting both managers to make changes in pursuit of an edge. Iraola brought on Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo, providing Liverpool with fresh attacking options for the second period.
The substitutions seemed to work when Gakpo and Isak linked up to restore the visitors’ lead. Gakpo supplied the cross, and Isak headed in from close range, seemingly setting Liverpool on course for another European win.
Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi complete the turnaround
Fenerbahce took just four minutes to reply. Kante whipped a cross into the box, and Gakpo’s attempted header diverted the ball away from Alisson, allowing Brown to arrive and convert from close range.
Brown, who was born in Birmingham, then played a key part in the winning goal. Liverpool failed to clear his cross, giving Muriqi the chance to head into the right corner and seal a stunning comeback.
The two rapid goals changed the mood inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium and left Liverpool unable to respond. What had appeared to be another victory for the visitors instead turned into a landmark European night for Kuyt and his players.
Liverpool’s Istanbul struggles continue
Liverpool have experienced some of their finest European moments in Istanbul, having won the 2005 Champions League final in the Turkish city. But their latest trip produced another disappointing outcome.
The loss also stretched an unwanted run for the English club, who have now suffered six straight defeats against Turkish opponents in Turkey.
For Fenerbahce, the result marked their first Champions League win of the season and a particularly satisfying achievement under Kuyt, whose temporary spell in charge ended with a memorable victory over his former club.