The Green Post Ireland
Istanbul, 4 November 2026 — Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 Champions League campaign after Fenerbahce twice came from behind to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory in Istanbul.
Vedat Muriqi scored the winning goal in the 79th minute after Mason Greenwood and Archie Brown had twice cancelled out Liverpool leads.
Trey Nyoni opened the scoring for the visitors, while substitute Alexander Isak restored their advantage in the second half. However, defensive mistakes cost Andoni Iraola’s side all three points.
Trey Nyoni Gives Liverpool Early Lead
Liverpool began strongly at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium and took the lead in the 25th minute through 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni.
Rio Ngumoha delivered a cross towards the far post, where Virgil van Dijk’s pressure forced Archie Brown into a weak clearance.
Nyoni met the loose ball with a volley that deflected off defender Kojo Oppong and beat goalkeeper Ederson.
The goal was Nyoni’s first for Liverpool and made him the club’s second-youngest scorer in European Cup and Champions League history, behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Mason Greenwood Equalises for Fenerbahce
Liverpool’s lead lasted only four minutes.
Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood scored from a free-kick in the 29th minute, with the ball deflecting off Jeremy Jacquet before finding the net.
The equaliser changed the momentum of the match, as Fenerbahce began to threaten more frequently.
İrfan Can Kahveci struck the crossbar from close range, while Liverpool struggled to regain their earlier control.
The teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Alexander Isak Scores Minutes After Coming On
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made three substitutions in the 66th minute, introducing Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz.
The changes quickly produced a second Liverpool goal.
Gakpo delivered a cross from the left in the 69th minute, and Isak rose to head the ball into the net.
The striker’s goal put Liverpool 2-1 ahead, but the visitors were unable to protect their advantage.
Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi Complete Comeback
Fenerbahce responded in the 73rd minute when Archie Brown arrived unmarked at the back post to score from an N’Golo Kanté delivery.
Six minutes later, Muriqi headed home the winning goal after Liverpool failed to deal with another ball into their penalty area.
The Kosovo international outjumped the Liverpool defence and directed his header beyond Alisson.
Liverpool pushed for another equaliser but could not prevent Fenerbahce from securing a 3-2 victory.
Iraola’s Liverpool Changes Come Under Scrutiny
Iraola made five changes to his starting lineup following Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Isak, Gakpo and Wirtz were initially left on the bench as the manager attempted to manage his squad during a demanding run of fixtures.
Bradley Barcola started in an unfamiliar central attacking role, while Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz were also included.
Although the substitutions helped Liverpool regain the lead, the team’s defensive lapses proved decisive.
Nyoni was among Liverpool’s strongest performers, showing composure in midfield despite the hostile atmosphere.
Liverpool’s Perfect Champions League Start Ends
The defeat ended Liverpool’s run of three consecutive victories in the Champions League league phase.
Liverpool have now conceded 10 goals in four European matches this season, including three goals in each of their last three fixtures.
Fenerbahce’s victory gave former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt, now managing the Turkish club, a win against his former team.
Liverpool remain on nine points from four matches, while Fenerbahce move to five points.
