Dirk Kuyt Ends 20-Year Curse as Liverpool Collapse in Shock 3-2 Fenerbahçe Defeat

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By overseeing Fenerbahçe’s thrilling 3-2 victory at the Chobani Stadyumu, Kuyt became the first former Liverpool player to defeat the Reds as a manager since Graeme Souness did so with Newcastle United back in March 2005. It represented a chastening, deeply alarming night for Andoni Iraola’s side, who threw away a lead twice in the space of 20 minutes to inflict a second damaging loss in just four days.

Liverpool actually made the initial breakthrough on 25 minutes. The move paid immediate dividends on 69 minutes when Gakpo swung in a precise delivery for Isak to head home and restore Liverpool’s 2-1 advantage.

The Big Picture for Iraola and Liverpool This was easily the worst night of Andoni Iraola’s reign so far. Dropping three points in Istanbul coming immediately off the back of a domestic defeat leaves Liverpool looking defensive fragile right when the season schedule reaches peak intensity.