Liverpool suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat by Fenerbahce, with the Turkish side ending their 10-match winless run in the Champions League and denying the Reds a perfect start to the competition this season.
The visitors took the lead when Trey Nyoni scored his first professional goal with a volleyed finish. Fenerbahce responded quickly, however, drawing level after Mason Greenwood’s free-kick was diverted into his own net by Jeremy Jacquet.
Both sides created further opportunities before half-time, but neither could find a second goal and the teams went into the interval level.
Liverpool resumed control after the break and began to create more openings. Bradley Barcola and Virgil van Dijk both went close as the English side looked to restore their advantage, but Fenerbahce’s defence held firm.
The Reds’ manager then turned to his substitutes, a decision that soon paid off. Cody Gakpo delivered a cross into the penalty area and Alexander Isak headed Liverpool back in front.
The goal was Isak’s first in the Champions League for Liverpool. But the lead lasted only a short time as Fenerbahce immediately mounted another response.
From a corner, Gakpo got a touch to the ball, but it fell to Archie Brown at the far post and he finished to make it 2-2.
Fenerbahce completed the turnaround through another substitute. Vedat Muriqi, who had come on during the match, rose above Jacquet to head in the decisive third goal and secure victory for the home side.
Archie Brown was named player of the match after helping Fenerbahce claim a result that brought their long wait for a Champions League win to an end. The Turkish club had gone 10 matches without victory in the competition.
For Liverpool, the loss ended their perfect record in this season’s Champions League. It also extended their unsuccessful run away from home in Turkey in the competition: the Reds have now failed to win on all seven of their visits.
