Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool in Penalty Shootout Drama
Liverpool’s title defence began with heartbreak at Wembley as Crystal Palace claimed the 2025 Community Shield after a tense 2-2 draw and a 3-2 penalty shootout win.
It was a dream start for the Reds when, just four minutes in, marquee signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined for a beautifully worked opener, Ekitike drilling his finish low into the bottom corner beyond a helpless Dean Henderson. But Palace struck back in the 17th minute—Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy foul on Ismaila Sarr handed Jean-Philippe Mateta the chance from the spot, and he made no mistake.
Liverpool responded instantly. Four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong surged down the right, and what looked like a cross looped over Henderson into the net for 2-1. The Reds dominated possession, but Palace continued to threaten on the counter, finishing the first half with more shots on goal.
The second half was an open affair, and Palace eventually found their equaliser in the 77th minute. Will Hughes robbed Liverpool in midfield, releasing Sarr, who took full advantage of van Dijk’s poor positioning to slot past Alisson. Moments later, VAR waved away a potential Palace penalty after Alexis Mac Allister appeared to handle in the box.
At 2-2, the match went to penalties. Mohamed Salah, surprisingly, blazed Liverpool’s first kick over the bar. Mac Allister’s attempt was then saved, and though Alisson kept his side alive by denying Eberechi Eze, Harvey Elliott saw his spot-kick stopped by Henderson. Palace had a chance to win it early, but Borna Sosa smashed the crossbar—before 21-year-old Justin Devenny sealed the victory with an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
It was a statement win for Oliver Glasner’s Palace and a bruising setback for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, whose big summer signings shone in open play but couldn’t deliver under the pressure of penaltie
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
