Fenerbahce vs Liverpool LIVE: Reds start without a striker in Champions League as Bradley Barcola handed new role
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The only Liverpool player to score two hat-tricks in the same season in the European Cup/Champions League is Graeme Souness, who did so in 1980-81.(Getty)Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:39Kuyt on tonight's matchFenerbahce’s interim boss said: "It is a great opportunity for us to show what we can do. We have players who have won the Champions League and the World Cup." Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:33Liverpool's opponentsFenerbahce will be led for the game by former Liverpool player Dirk Kuyt, who was placed in interim charge of the club last week.Fenerbahce are the fourth club from Turkey to face Liverpool following Trabzonspor, Galatasaray and Besiktas.Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:27Fenerbahce vs LiverpoolThe clubs have never met before and Fenerbahce will be Liverpool’s 140th different European opponent.The Reds have collected maximum points in the Champions League so far this season – also with three victories from three league-phase games are Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Betis and Real Madrid.Liverpool have scored 12 goals in the Champions League so far this term, with only PSG (14) netting more.Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:21Dirk Kuyt makes loyalty vow ahead of managing FenerbahceDirk Kuyt says he will set aside his affection for Liverpool because his responsibility right now lies with Fenerbahce ahead of the two teams meeting in the Champions League on Wednesday.The former Reds forward has been handed interim control of the Turkish Super Lig club following the resignation of Ismail Kartal last week.Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:15Liverpool have potentialCody Gakpo spoke alongside his manager at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
“I think we've had better results this season in the Champions League and also the Carabao Cup than in the Premier League. “We know this and especially in this stadium, this atmosphere, we have to be mentally very ready to start strong.”Mike Jones4 November 2026 17:03More from IraolaThe Liverpool boss added: “I think Istanbul is always going to be special for Liverpool.
“They also have experience and know how to play in this competition, so we have to start the game strong and try to kill the confidence and the momentum they can have with the supporters.”(PA)Mike Jones4 November 2026 16:57Iraola on facing FenerbahceThe Liverpool boss, Andoni Iraola, previewed tonight’s match and said: “Fenerbahce is a team that has very good players. I think we have to be good in our press, I think we have to try to control the game, don’t allow them to win confidence, because also they are experienced players, they know how to play these kind of games in this competition.“The stronger we start, the less chances we should give to Fenerbahce, because otherwise they are going to be dangerous.”Mike Jones4 November 2026 16:51