Fenerbahce wins first Champions League game to end Liverpool’s perfect run

Turkish giant Fenerbahce defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League, ending the English side’s 100% start to the competition this season.

The visitors took the lead through Trey Nyoni in the 25th minute, and former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood restored parity four minutes later, ending the first half level.

Alexander Isak came off the bench to restore Liverpool’s lead midway through the second half.

The hosts, however, turned things around with two quick goals from Englishman Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi to secure a stunning victory in front of a raucous crowd.

Former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt got one over his former club. He has been serving as interim head coach of the Turkish side, as former Newcastle player Emre Belozoglu is set to take over permanently on Thursday.

With five changes to the side that lost to Arsenal on Sunday, Andoni Iraola’s men started strongly as 19-year-old Nyoni scored his first Liverpool goal when his volley took a deflection off Kojo Peprah Oppong and went past Ederson. 

It was also Liverpool’s first goal against a Turkish side in Turkey since Kuyt scored against Trabzonspor in 2010.

The home side responded quickly to level it when Greenwood’s free-kick deflected off Jeremy Jacquet and beat Alisson.

Both managers tweaked things after the break, with Iraola throwing on Isak, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo and Isak then combined to restore Liverpool’s advantage, with the latter heading in from close range.

The hosts produced a spirited performance as they drew level just four minutes later when Gakpo’s header from Kanté’s cross took the ball away from Alisson, and Brown tapped in from close range.

Brown then provided an assist when Liverpool failed to deal with his cross, and Muriqi headed in.

The defeat leaves a sour taste in Liverpool’s mouth, as they won the 2005 Champions League in the Turkish capital, but have now lost six consecutive games against Turkish sides here.