Fenerbahce defeat Liverpool 3-2 to end unbeaten Champions League run

Fenerbahce handed Liverpool their first defeat of the season in the UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 victory in Istanbul.

The Turkish side came from behind twice before Vedat Muriqi headed the winner in the 79th minute, securing Fenerbahce’s first victory in this season’s competition. The match was played in the Turkish capital as part of the fourth round of the league phase.

Liverpool took the lead in the 25th minute when Trey Nyoni’s shot deceived Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson and found the net.

The hosts responded four minutes later through Greenwood, ensuring the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

Liverpool regained the advantage in the second half when substitute Alexander Isak headed home in the 69th minute.

Fenerbahce were level again four minutes later. Archie Brown followed up a cross from Kante to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finish.

Muriqi, who had come on for Romelu Lukaku, then completed the comeback with a header that beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, giving the home side a 3-2 win.

The result leaves Liverpool with nine points in fifth place, although their final position will depend on the remaining matches in the fourth round.

Fenerbahce moved up 12 places to 19th after raising their total to five points.

Kuyt faces former club

The victory was Dirk Kuyt’s first as Fenerbahce manager in the Champions League. Kuyt is in temporary charge after Ismail Kartal resigned from his position.

Before the match, Kuyt said he would have to control his emotions for the meeting with Liverpool, where he spent six years between 2006 and 2012.

The former Netherlands forward scored Liverpool’s decisive penalty in the 2007 UEFA Champions League semi-final and went on to make a strong connection with the club during his time at Anfield.

Kuyt also represented Fenerbahce from 2012 to 2015, winning the Turkish league title with the club.