Vedat Muriqi punishes Liverpool as Fenerbahce complete comeback

Liverpool’s defensive cracks turned a promising night in Istanbul into a painful collapse. They led Fenerbahce twice, but could not hold either advantage—and Vedat Muriqi’s late header completed a 3-2 comeback that ended Liverpool’s 100% Champions League run.

The visitors made an assertive start and created openings in the first five minutes. Trey Nyoni then gave them the lead with his first senior goal, sweeping a low volley past Ederson after Rio Ngumoha’s run and shot helped create the chance. It was a landmark moment for the young midfielder—and a lead Liverpool would soon surrender.

Fenerbahce responded through Mason Greenwood’s free-kick, which took a major deflection off Jérémy Jacquet and wrong-footed Alisson. Liverpool had been in control of the ball, but the equaliser exposed how quickly a promising position could unravel. The hosts carried the greater threat as the first half wore on.

Liverpool regained the advantage after the break. Cody Gakpo and substitute Alexander Isak had been on the pitch only three minutes when Gakpo delivered from the left and Isak headed in from close range. Once again, though, the lead lasted only briefly.

N’Golo Kanté sent a cross into the area, and Gakpo’s attempted clearance diverted the ball away from Alisson. Archie Brown was waiting at the far post to turn it in. Fenerbahce had levelled for a second time, and Liverpool were again left to reckon with a defensive lapse rather than build on their attacking work.

The decisive blow came late. Brown sent a looping cross into the box, where Muriqi held off Jacquet, Alexis Mac Allister and Nyoni before directing his header into the bottom corner. The substitute’s finish capped a comeback built on Fenerbahce’s persistence—and Liverpool’s inability to protect their lead.

For Liverpool, the result makes it a second successive defeat, following Sunday’s loss to Arsenal. They had enough attacking moments to take the match, with Nyoni’s milestone and Isak’s header putting them in front. But twice they allowed Fenerbahce back into the contest, then could not prevent Muriqi from deciding it.

The night began with Liverpool looking to impose themselves. It ended with their Champions League perfect run gone, and their defensive weaknesses once again exposed.