Crystal Palace claimed their first-ever FA Community Shield title by defeating Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

The match saw Liverpool’s new summer signing Hugo Ekitike open the scoring early, assisted by Florian Wirtz, marking an impressive competitive debut for both players. However, Crystal Palace quickly responded when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty in the 17th minute to level the score.

Liverpool regained the lead four minutes later with a goal from debutant Jeremie Frimpong, a fortunate cross-turned-shot. The Reds maintained a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, Crystal Palace exerted increasing pressure and finally equalised in the 77th minute through Ismaïla Sarr after a smart finish, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The full-time score was 2-2.

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The shootout was decisive, with Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson emerging as the hero by saving two penalties from Liverpool players Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. For Crystal Palace, penalty takers Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaïla Sarr, and Justin Devenny successfully converted their spot-kicks, with Devenny sealing the victory with the winning penalty.

Crystal Palace’s victory marked their first-ever Community Shield trophy, adding to their recent FA Cup triumph in May 2025, further cementing their growing legacy. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, featured four summer signings starting the game—Ekitike, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez—as well as the return of Alisson Becker in goal.

The competitive debutants showed promise, but in the end, Palace’s resilience and Henderson’s crucial saves made the difference in a closely contested curtain-raiser for the new season.

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PP