Liverpool Suffer Stunning 2-3 Champions League Defeat To Fenerbahce

Last Updated:November 05, 2026, 08:18 IST

Dirk Kuyt led Fenerbahce to a 3-2 comeback victory over his former club Liverpool in Istanbul, breathing new life into their Champions League campaign.

Fenerbahce players celebrate following the conclusion of their Champions League match vs Liverpool. (AP Photo)

Dirk Kuyt enjoyed a memorable victory over his former club Liverpool as Fenerbahce twice bounced back to secure a stunning 3-2 Champions League win in Istanbul on Wednesday. Having arrived in Turkey with three wins in as many Champions League matches under Andoni Iraola, defensive errors proved costly as Liverpool’s perfect start came to an end.

Trey Nyoni and second-half substitute Alexander Isak twice gave the visitors the lead but Mason Greenwood and Archie Brown brought Fenerbahce level before Vedat Muriqi struck the winner.

Liverpool’s struggles in Istanbul continued after their two away defeats against Galatasaray last season.

Nyoni, who kept his place in the starting line-up, opened the scoring with his first goal for Liverpool. He fired home from the edge of the box after Fenerbahce failed to deal with Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross.

The hosts responded just four minutes later when Greenwood’s deflected free-kick wrong-footed Alisson Becker and found the net.

With Liverpool searching for a winner, Iraola introduced Isak, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo just after the hour mark. The change quickly paid off as Isak found space to head in Gakpo’s cross.

However, Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses resurfaced. Gakpo inadvertently redirected a cross past Alisson, allowing Brown to score an easy tap-in at the far post.

Fenerbahce completed their comeback when Muriqi outmuscled Jeremy Jacquet to reach a looping cross and guided his header into the bottom corner. The goal marked Liverpool’s 10th concession in four Champions League matches.

The defeat denied Liverpool the opportunity to move level with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table.

Kuyt, who spent six years at Anfield, secured his second victory in charge of Fenerbahce after taking over as interim boss following Ismail Kartal’s departure last week.

Fenerbahce, who had collected just two points from their opening three matches, climbed to 19th in the 36-team standings.

The top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16, while sides finishing between ninth and 24th must compete in a two-legged play-off.

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What was the final score in Liverpool’s Champions League match against Fenerbahce?

Liverpool suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Which players scored goals for Liverpool during the match against Fenerbahce?

Trey Nyoni opened the scoring with his first goal for Liverpool, and second-half substitute Alexander Isak scored the team’s second goal with a header.

Who scored the winning goal for Fenerbahce to secure the comeback victory?

Vedat Muriqi scored the winner for Fenerbahce by outmuscling Jeremy Jacquet and guiding his header into the bottom corner.

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Feroz KhanPrincipal Correspondent

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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