Muriqi header ends Liverpool's perfect record

Vedat Muriqi headed the decisive GOAL for Fenerbahçe, clinching a 3‑2 Champions League win over Liverpool in Istanbul on 4 November 2026 at 7.49pm. The Turkish side rallied twice after losing their LEAD to secure the victory.

Even LIVERPOOL’s multi‑million‑pound bench could not rescue a team floundering in Istanbul as they twice surrendered their LEAD. Alexander Isak, after coming on, scored within three minutes to put the visitors ahead, but the advantage lasted only four minutes before Archie Brown equalised, his second Champions League goal of the season. Muriqi then out‑jumped three players to head the winner, ending Liverpool’s 100 percent record in the competition.

Andoni Iraola made five changes, resting three of his front four after the Sunday defeat to Arsenal. Nineteen‑year‑old Trey Nyoni volleyed the ball, becoming Liverpool’s youngest Champions League scorer and the competition’s second‑youngest after Trent Alexander‑Arnold. Mason Greenwood scored the first equaliser for the Turkish side with a free‑kick that deflected off Jeremy Jacquet. Liverpool had also lost twice to Galatasaray last season.

Bradley Barcola was deployed as striker but struggled with the physicality of Fenerbahçe’s centre‑backs, while Kojo Oppong made his first Champions League start. Victor Munoz created an early chance and later forced a save from Alisson. Virgil van Dijk’s patience was tested, with Irfan Kahveci falling at a second‑half corner and Romelu Lukaku challenging him early in the game. A cross from Rio Ngumoha reached the far post, where a deflection off Oppong led to Nyoni’s decisive strike.

The chaotic performance saw Fenerbahçe come from behind twice to claim the crucial win. The result ended Liverpool’s perfect record in the Champions League and highlighted the difficulty of playing in a fractious Istanbul atmosphere.

Media coverage and share options

The match was covered by The Video Review Podcasts and The 42FM Sport, with analysis also appearing in Rugby Weekly Extra.

The coverage mentioned Golf and Horse segments alongside Football and Family discussions.

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