Fenerbahce twice came from behind to secure an impressive 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, ending the Reds’ 100 per cent record in this season’s competition.
The Turkish side produced a spirited performance to claim all three points, with substitute Vedat Muriqi scoring the decisive goal late in the game.
Liverpool started brightly despite heavy rainfall, with Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola missing early opportunities to put the visitors ahead.
Fenerbahce gradually took control of the contest, creating several openings through Barcola and Munoz. However, Liverpool survived a penalty scare after Kostas Tsimikas challenged Mason Greenwood.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock when Trey Nyoni volleyed home to register his first senior goal, wrong-footing goalkeeper Ederson.
Fenerbahce responded almost immediately, with Irfan Kahveci striking the crossbar from a dangerous delivery.
The hosts eventually found their equaliser when Jeremy Jacquet turned away from the Liverpool wall, allowing Greenwood’s free-kick to deflect beyond Alisson Becker.
Greenwood continued to threaten and forced an important save from the Liverpool goalkeeper before half-time.
Liverpool returned with renewed determination after the break, but Ederson produced excellent saves to deny Barcola and Virgil van Dijk.
Munoz also came close to restoring Liverpool’s advantage, but his effort was blocked by Milan Skriniar.
Manager Dirk Kuyt introduced fresh attacking options in search of a winner, and the substitutions quickly paid off.
Cody Gakpo delivered an excellent cross for Alexander Isak, who headed home with his first touch to score his first Champions League goal for Liverpool.
However, Fenerbahce refused to surrender, drawing level again when Gakpo inadvertently flicked a corner into the path of Archie Brown, who tapped home at the far post.
The hosts completed their remarkable comeback when substitute Vedat Muriqi rose above Jacquet to head past Alisson and seal a memorable 3-2 victory.
The result will delight Kuyt, who secured a significant victory against his former club and ended Fenerbahce’s 10-game winless run in the competition.
For Liverpool, the defeat ended their perfect Champions League start and extended their poor record in Turkey.
The Reds remain without an away victory in seven Champions League visits to Turkey, recording one draw and six defeats, despite their famous night in Istanbul 21 years ago.
