Liverpool lose 3-2 to Fenerbahce in Istanbul, ending Champions League perfect start

Liverpool’s defeat in Istanbul

On Wednesday night, Liverpool travelled to the Süleymaniye Stadium in Istanbul and were beaten 3‑2 by Fenerbahce. The match ended a perfect start to the club’s Champions League campaign, as Liverpool had won their first five games before the loss. The defeat also extended a poor record in Turkey, with the Reds now having one win, one draw and seven defeats in the country and no clean sheets in Turkish competition.

The game was marked by two late goals for Fenerbahce. After Liverpool had taken the lead twice – first through Trey Nyoni and then via Alexander Isak – the hosts rallied. Mason Greenwood and Archie Brown scored for Liverpool, but a 79th‑minute winner from Vedat Muriqi secured the victory for Fenerbahce.

Background

Liverpool’s Champions League run began with a 1‑0 win over Real Madrid, followed by victories against Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain, and Inter Milan. The team had maintained a 100 % record in the competition before the match in Istanbul. The loss to Fenerbahce is the first time Liverpool have conceded three goals in three successive European matches.

Andoni Iraola, who took charge of Liverpool in October, has been praised for his tactical approach but has faced criticism for defensive lapses. The defeat follows a 5‑game winning streak that began after a loss to Arsenal on Sunday. The club’s recent form has seen them win five games in a row, then lose twice in four days.

Fenerbahce’s interim manager Dirk Kuyt, a former Liverpool hero, led the Turkish side to the comeback victory. Kuyt, who joined Liverpool in 2006, highlighted the importance of unity and perseverance, drawing parallels with Liverpool’s own history of dramatic wins.

Why it matters

The loss has significant implications for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign. The defeat ends their perfect record and extends a negative trend in Turkey, where they have yet to keep a clean sheet in any competition. It also highlights defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at set pieces, which Iraola described as “cheap” and “messy” goals.

The result may affect Liverpool’s confidence heading into the knockout stages of the competition. It also adds pressure on Iraola to address defensive issues, especially as the club’s recent form has been inconsistent.

For Fenerbahce, the victory is a historic comeback. It is the first time the club has won a Champions League match in Istanbul and extends their record in Turkey to one win, one draw and seven defeats. The win also gives the Turkish side a morale boost ahead of their remaining European fixtures.

What happens next

The match was played on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Liverpool will return to England for their next Champions League fixture, while Fenerbahce will prepare for their upcoming European matches. No further actions or disciplinary measures have been announced following the game.

The club’s management has not issued any statements beyond the comments from Iraola, who expressed frustration at the loss and the difficulty of playing in Istanbul. No changes to the squad or coaching staff have been reported.

The match remains a key moment in Liverpool’s 2026‑27 season, marking a turning point after a strong start to the Champions League campaign.