Breaking: Liverpool crumble as Palace soar to first-ever Community Shield title

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Crystal Palace claimed their first-ever FA Community Shield title, stunning Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.

The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with no extra time played, as per Community Shield rules.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, Palace emerged victorious. Liverpool’s key figures Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister failed to convert, while Dean Henderson turned hero for Palace, making crucial saves that secured the trophy.

The high-octane clash saw Liverpool strike first through Hugo Ekitike, who scored in the fourth minute off a pinpoint Wirtz assist.

Palace responded in the 17th minute with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting a penalty after Ismaila Sarr was fouled by Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool regained the lead via Jeremie Frimpong’s 21st-minute long-range effort, but Palace’s resilience shone through when Sarr headed in a 77th-minute equalizer, assisted by Mateta.

Despite Liverpool’s £300 million summer signings, including Wirtz and Ekitike, Palace’s tactical discipline under Oliver Glasner frustrated the Reds.

This historic triumph marks Palace’s first-ever Community Shield victory and follows their maiden major trophy, the FA Cup, won earlier this year under manager Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool, despite entering as favourites with several high-profile additions and under new manager Arne Slot, were unable to convert their early advantage into silverware.

The match also featured an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota, adding poignancy to the fiercely competitive contest.

The Community Shield win offers a sensational boost to Palace ahead of their European campaign and confirms their momentum under Glasner’s leadership, while Liverpool face fresh questions about their readiness despite significant summer spending.

The match, broadcast on TNT Sports 1 to an 80,000-strong Wembley crowd, marked Palace’s debut in the competition after their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.

Posts on X captured the electric atmosphere, with @CPFC declaring, “Crystal Palace are the 2025 Community Shield winners!” This victory sets a bold tone for Palace’s 2025/26 season, while Liverpool regroup for their Premier League opener.