Liverpool endured an unwanted piece of European history in Istanbul as interim manager Dirk Kuyt guided Fenerbahce to a remarkable 3-2 Champions League comeback victory at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium. Alexander Isak had nodded the visitors in front after 69 minutes to give Liverpool their second lead of the contest, seemingly setting up a significant away triumph. However, Andoni Iraola's side capitulated in a hostile environment, marking the latest Liverpool have ever held a lead in a major European match only to end up defeated.
All three of the Turkish side's goals originated from set-pieces, with English players delivering two of them. Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood brought Fenerbahce level in the first half when his long-range free-kick took a deflection off Jeremy Jacquet. Later, Cody Gakpo misdirected a header past goalkeeper Alisson, presenting Birmingham-born Archie Brown with a simple tap-in for 2-2. Just six minutes after that equaliser, the 24-year-old former Derby County prospect delivered a looping ball following a long throw, allowing Vedat Muriqi to beat three red shirts and head home the decisive strike.
Reflecting on the defensive breakdown, Iraola voiced his deep frustration, labelling the conceded strikes "cheap" and "messy" while highlighting how deafening stadium noise disrupted communication between Alisson and Gakpo. In contrast, Kuyt celebrated an emotional triumph, noting that his squad embraced a unified mindset he originally learned at Liverpool. The result secured Fenerbahce's first victory against an English opponent in 18 years—a number Kuyt pointed out matched his playing shirt during his time at Anfield—before he steps aside for former Newcastle player Emre Belozoglu to officially take charge as head coach on Thursday.
The shocking defeat represents Liverpool's second loss in four days following Sunday's setback against Arsenal, halting a previous five-match winning run. Analysing the performance for Match of the Day, former Reds defender Stephen Warnock warned that Iraola's squad looked capable of conceding at any moment due to recurring frailties from simple balls into the penalty area. While Liverpool depart Turkey seeking answers to their defensive lapses, Fenerbahce enjoyed a memorable European highlight that defied their difficult domestic campaign, which has already seen them lose four of their 10 league matches.