Muriqi completes Fenerbahce comeback as Liverpool’s defence falters
Fenerbahce defeated Liverpool 3-2 in Istanbul to end the visitors’ perfect Champions League run and give Dirk Kuyt a winning start to his interim spell. The result left Liverpool with two consecutive defeats and will frustrate Andoni Iraola, particularly because his side surrendered the lead twice through avoidable defensive mistakes.
Liverpool began confidently, creating several early openings from Kostas Tsimikas’s deliveries, but Fenerbahce gradually grew into the contest. Trey Nyoni opened the scoring with his first senior goal, sweeping a low volley beyond Ederson after Rio Ngumoha’s run and a partially cleared cross. Fenerbahce responded almost immediately when Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a major deflection off Jérémy Jacquet and wrong-footed Alisson.
The visitors regained control after the interval. Cody Gakpo, introduced with Alexander Isak, supplied a floated cross for Isak to head Liverpool back in front at close range. Yet Fenerbahce again exploited uncertainty in the Liverpool defence, eventually completing the comeback through Vedat Muriqi’s late winner. The home side’s lineup contained extensive Premier League experience, including Romelu Lukaku, N’Golo Kanté, Nélson Semedo and Mason Greenwood, while Liverpool’s Bradley Barcola endured an especially quiet night in attack.
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