By Fatma Younis
Fenerbahce produced a stunning comeback to defeat Liverpool 3-2 in their Champions League league-phase match in Istanbul on Wednesday, inflicting a second consecutive defeat on Andoni Iraola’s side.
First-half drama
Liverpool took the lead in the 25th minute when Trey Nyoni scored his first senior goal for the club. Fenerbahce responded four minutes later as Mason Greenwood’s deflected free-kick found the net to level the score at 1-1.
Second-half turnaround
The visitors regained the lead in the 69th minute through substitute Alexander Isak, who headed in Cody Gakpo’s cross. However, Fenerbahce, marshalled by former Liverpool icon Dirk Kuyt, struck twice in the final quarter. Archie Brown tapped in a loose ball in the 73rd minute before Vedat Muriqi powered a header past Alisson in the 79th minute to complete the reversal.
Liverpool’s European slump continues
The defeat ends Liverpool’s perfect start in the Champions League, where they had won their opening three matches. It follows Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Arsenal, leaving Iraola’s team with back-to-back defeats. Liverpool sit fifth in the league-phase table on nine points from four games and could fall outside the automatic qualification spots depending on other results.
Match statistics
The game produced 39 shots, with 12 on target. Fenerbahce converted half of their on-target attempts, while Liverpool scored only two of theirs. The Turkish side’s victory marks their first Champions League win of the season.
