Six agonizing minutes were all it took for Liverpool’s European night to implode. Leading 2-1 and seemingly in control midway through the second half, Andoni Iraola’s side completely lost their heads at the ?ükrü Saraco?lu Stadium,conceding twice in six frantic minutes to hand Dirk Kuyt’s Fenerbahçe a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The sudden breakdown in Istanbul compounded a deeply concerning week for Liverpool. Coming just four days after a damaging domestic loss, the Reds have now suffered back-to-back defeats across two competitions. The early-season momentum Iraola built has suddenly ground to a halt, turning this weekend’s Premier League trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park into an absolute must-win fixture.

Yet long before Liverpool’s second-half collapse, a explosive first-half refereeing incident set the tone for a fiery encounter.

Former Marseille winger Mason Greenwood sprinted through on goal after collecting an exquisite long pass. As Greenwood prepared to pull the trigger, Liverpool left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas executed a firm, two-handed shove into the attacker’s back, knocking him off balance.

Neither referee nor VAR intervened to award a spot-kick, leaving the Turkish crowd incensed and television pundits stunned.

Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett led the chorus of disbelief online, simply stating: “This is a PUSH.”

?'???? ?? ? ????' – Ex-PGMOL boss @HACKETTREF stunned Fenerbahce didn't get penalty vs Liverpool for Kostas Tsimikas shove on Mason Greenwood ?#LFC #UCL #Fenerbahce pic.twitter.com/NA2H5AJ4f3

— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) November 4, 2026

Ally McCoist slams Tsimikas push

Speaking on TNT Sports duty, co-commentator Ally McCoist held no back-page ambiguity about the incident, insisting Tsimikas escaped a clear penalty.

“It’s a penalty, it’s two hands, not even one hand. That prevents him for me getting a shot on goal. Both hands. I think it’s a penalty, I really do. It’s a shame because it’s a replacement ball and an exquisite touch.”

When asked directly whether the Greek international got away with a blatant error inside the penalty area, McCoist remained unwavering.

“I think so, I really think so. He pushes him both hands when he’s in the process of having an attempt on goal just because it doesn’t look like it, doesn’t make it not a penalty.”

The refereeing controversy cut deeper for the hosts just two minutes later. Liverpool broke forward and young midfielder Trey Nyoni volleyed home a dropping half-clearance past Ederson via a deflection.

Making just his second senior start for the Reds, the 19-year-old became Liverpool’s second-youngest Champions League goalscorer behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Yet Liverpool’s lead vanished within four minutes. After Dominik Szoboszlai conceded a free-kick for a foul on N’Golo Kanté, Greenwood stepped up from 25 yards out. His left-footed strike looked to be heading wide until it deflected heavily off Jérémy Jacquet, wrong-footing Alisson Becker completely.

McCoist immediately called out the structural failure inside Liverpool’s wall as an angry Alisson berated his defenders.

“He [Greenwood] gets a break doesn’t he? I think the goalkeeper will not be too happy with his wall. Does somebody turn their back on it? It’s the perfect answer. It’s Jacquet and he’s livid, does he turn his back? He certainly does, you’ve got to face it. The goalkeeper is livid, absolutely livid and with justification as well. He [Jacquet] is side on for someone who has had a good start to the season.”

The defeat in Turkey is not an isolated hiccup. Liverpool’s defensive structure, which looked so solid early in the campaign, has buckled under recent pressure.

Surrendering five goals across their last two outings highlights an urgent structural issue for Iraola. The high defensive line has looked exposed when opponents play direct, and set-piece organization has lacked its usual authority.

Crystal Palace Up Next: High Stakes at Selhurst Park

Liverpool have no time to lick their wounds. The squad flies straight back from Turkey to prepare for Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park a venue that has historically provided plenty of awkward afternoons for the Reds.

Palace themselves are desperate for points under Pierre Sage, setting up a fiery atmospheric battle in South London. With Ryan Gravenberch sidelined with a heel injury, Iraola must decide whether to rotate his fatigued squad or double down on his core group to halt this mini-slump.

For Anfield idol Dirk Kuyt, Wednesday night was a coaching masterclass and a landmark achievement. For Iraola,Sunday at Selhurst Park represents an immediate test of character.