Liverpool suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul after twice surrendering the lead, as former Reds forward Dirk Kuyt guided the Turkish side to a memorable Champions League victory.

Liverpool had won their opening three European matches under manager Andoni Iraola but were punished for defensive errors against a Fenerbahce side that had collected only two points from its first three games.

Also read: Oramah urges Africa to reject foreign economic models

Teenager Trey Nyoni opened the scoring for Liverpool with a strike from the edge of the penalty area, registering his first goal for the club.

However, Fenerbahce responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s deflected free-kick deceived goalkeeper Alisson Becker and found the net.

Iraola introduced Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo shortly after the hour mark in an attempt to regain control of the match.

The changes quickly paid off as Isak headed Gakpo’s cross into the net to restore Liverpool’s advantage.

But Liverpool again failed to protect their lead. Gakpo inadvertently diverted a cross beyond Alisson, allowing Archie Brown to score an easy finish at the back post and make it 2-2.

Fenerbahce completed the comeback when Vedat Muriqi outmuscled Jeremy Jacquet to meet a looping cross, directing his header into the bottom corner for the winning goal.

The result marked another disappointing European outing for Liverpool in Istanbul, where they had also suffered two away defeats against Galatasaray last season.

Kuyt, who spent six years at Anfield as a player, was taking charge of Fenerbahce for only the second time following Ismail Kartal’s departure the previous week.

Also read: Oramah urges Africa to reject foreign economic models

Liverpool’s defeat denied them the opportunity to move level with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the Champions League standings, while Fenerbahce climbed to 19th in the 36-team table.