Fenerbahce came from behind twice to stun Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash in Istanbul on Thursday, ending the English side’s perfect start to the competition.
Vedat Muriqi scored the winning goal in the 79th minute after Archie Brown had brought the hosts level just six minutes earlier. Liverpool had taken the lead twice through Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak, but failed to hold on.
The victory gave Fenerbahce their first win in this season’s Champions League after two draws and a defeat in their opening three matches.
Liverpool entered the match with three wins from three games under Andoni Iraola. However, the visitors struggled to contain Fenerbahce’s attacks despite taking an early lead.
The Reds went ahead in the 25th minute when Nyoni fired a first-time shot from inside the penalty area. Brown’s headed clearance fell to the young midfielder, whose effort took a deflection before beating goalkeeper Ederson.
Fenerbahce responded just four minutes later. Mason Greenwood scored from a free kick in the 29th minute after his effort took a deflection off Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet.
The two sides went into half-time level at 1-1, with both teams looking dangerous in attack.
Liverpool regained the lead in the 69th minute through Isak, who had come on as a substitute. The Swedish striker made an immediate impact by heading home from close range to put the visitors ahead for the second time.
ButbFenerbahce refused to give up. Brown brought the Turkish side level in the 73rd minute after a defensive mix-up involving Cody Gakpo and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The goal made it 2-2 and gave the home crowd fresh hope of a comeback.
Six minutes later, the hosts completed the turnaround. Brown delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Muriqi rose to send a header into the corner of the net in the 79th minute.
Liverpool pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages. They created several chances but could not find a way past the Fenerbahce defence.
Even Alisson went forward for a late corner as Liverpool desperately searched for a goal. However, the Turkish side held firm to secure a memorable victory.
The result was particularly special for Fenerbahce’s interim manager Dirk Kuyt, who previously played for Liverpool. The former Dutch forward had taken temporary charge following Ismail Kartal’s departure.
Fenerbahce moved to five points from four Champions League matches, while Liverpool remained on nine points after suffering their first European defeat of the season.
