Liverpool’s Champions League Run Ends After Fenerbahce Comeback

Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead twice in Istanbul, but Fenerbahce struck three times to claim a 3-2 win and end the Reds’ perfect European start.

Two leads, both gone within minutes. Liverpool’s perfect Champions League start ended in Istanbul as Fenerbahce came from behind to win 3-2, turning a promising night for the visitors into their first European defeat of the campaign.

Trey Nyoni gave Liverpool the lead in the 25th minute, scoring his first professional goal with a deflected volley. The 19-year-old’s breakthrough moment was short-lived: four minutes later, Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a heavy deflection off Jeremy Jacquet and left Alisson unable to stop the equaliser.

Liverpool had another chance to take control after the break. Alexander Isak, introduced alongside Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo as Liverpool sought a way back in front, needed only one touch to make the difference. Gakpo’s cross found the Sweden international unmarked close to goal, and his finish put Liverpool ahead again in the 69th minute.

The response was immediate. Four minutes later, a mix-up between Gakpo and Alisson allowed Archie Brown to level for Fenerbahce. Liverpool’s defensive uncertainty then deepened: in the 79th minute, Vedat Muriqi headed home a high cross to complete the turnaround.

The pattern was stark. Liverpool had twice found a route in front, through Nyoni’s first goal for the club and Isak’s instant impact off the bench, but neither advantage lasted. Fenerbahce punished the gaps and errors at the back, scoring three times to claim their first Champions League win of the campaign.

For Liverpool, the defeat arrives halfway through the league phase’s eight matches and brings their flawless opening run to an end. The scoreline also leaves a clear contrast between the attacking moments that twice put them ahead and the defensive lapses that let Fenerbahce back into the contest.

Nyoni and Isak supplied the goals; Fenerbahce supplied the late pressure and the decisive finish. Liverpool leave Istanbul with their first European loss of the season and plenty to review after surrendering the lead twice.