Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool to Claim First-Ever Community Shield
Crystal Palace made history at Wembley, defeating Premier League champions Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift their maiden FA Community Shield. The 2025 curtain-raiser was a breathless contest full of goals, momentum swings, and standout performances.
Liverpool’s Arne Slot, in his first competitive match since replacing Jürgen Klopp, saw new signing Hugo Ekitike make an instant impact. Just four minutes in, Florian Wirtz slipped a precise through ball into the Frenchman’s path, and Ekitike finished clinically to announce himself to English football.
Palace hit back when Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr in the box, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to send Alisson the wrong way from the spot. Liverpool regained the lead in unusual fashion when Jeremie Frimpong’s mis-hit cross looped over Dean Henderson and into the far corner.
After a frantic first half, Palace emerged stronger after the break. Young midfielder Adam Wharton began dictating play, and it was his perfectly timed pass that sent Sarr racing through to level the match 2-2 with a composed finish.
With no further goals, the match went to penalties, where Henderson redeemed an earlier shaky display with key saves. Academy product Justin Devenny coolly converted the winning kick, sparking jubilant celebrations among Palace’s travelling fans.
For Liverpool, Ekitike, Wirtz, and Frimpong offered promise, but defensive lapses and an inability to close out the game will concern Slot ahead of the Premier League opener. For Palace, this victory symbolises years of steady building — combining smart recruitment with tactical resilience — and may prove a launchpad for their most ambitious league campaign in decades.
