Andoni Iraola’s gamble backfires as Liverpool suffer late defeat at Fenerbache

Liverpool suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday night after Vedat Muriqi scored a late winner to punish Andoni Iraola’s much-changed side.

According to Daily Star, the Reds struggled to cope with Fenerbahce’s attacking threat, with their midfield weaknesses exposed throughout the encounter.

Liverpool started brightly but were fortunate to escape an early penalty decision after Kostas Tsimikas appeared to push Mason Greenwood inside the box.

The Turkish side eventually levelled through Greenwood after Liverpool had taken the lead, while Alexander Isak came off the bench to restore the visitors’ advantage.

However, Fenerbahce responded again within minutes, shifting the momentum back in their favour before Muriqi headed home the decisive goal late in the contest.

The defeat highlighted familiar problems for Iraola, particularly Liverpool’s vulnerability in midfield and their inability to control opposition counter-attacks.