Crystal Palace produced a thrilling comeback to defeat a new-look Liverpool and claim their first-ever FA Community Shield, triumphing 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Liverpool’s summer signings, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, scored for the Premier League champions, giving the Reds a strong start. However, Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, keeping the match alive and ultimately securing the trophy in an error-filled shootout.
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Palace’s Historic Victory
The Eagles’ triumph adds to their growing momentum after their FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson played a pivotal role during the shootout, denying Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Mohamed Salah missed his penalty, blazing over the bar. Youngster Justin Devenny became the unlikely hero, converting the winning spot-kick and sealing a historic win for the South London side.
“This is a massive achievement for the club,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish. “Beating a team of Liverpool’s caliber and winning our first Community Shield shows the character and spirit of this squad.”
A Match Marked by Emotion
The Community Shield carried additional weight for Liverpool, coming after a summer overshadowed by tragedy. Forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva. Before kickoff, Reds legend Ian Rush and Parish laid wreaths at the pitch, while the Liverpool section of the stadium displayed banners and flags in tribute to the late Portuguese striker.
A minute’s silence was observed but had to be cut short due to disturbances in the crowd. Players from both teams wore “Forever 20” emblems, honoring Jota’s retired shirt number, and fans chanted his name in the 20th minute, adding a poignant layer to an otherwise high-energy match.
Liverpool’s New-look Squad
Liverpool arrived at Wembley with their summer signings all starting, reflecting a record-breaking transfer spend of £260 million ($350 million). The four new arrivals—Ekitike, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez—were all integrated into manager Arne Slot’s lineup.
Ekitike, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million ($93 million), opened the scoring early with a composed finish from a Wirtz assist in the fourth minute. The French forward is expected to compete for the Reds’ central striking role, particularly as Liverpool pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Wirtz, meanwhile, registered his first assist for the club, highlighting his playmaking potential.
Frimpong added Liverpool’s second goal with a cleverly chipped cross that deceived Henderson, only for Palace to respond yet again. While the new signings showcased attacking promise, Liverpool’s defensive cohesion remained an area of concern, a pattern observed during pre-season.
Palace’s Resilience
Crystal Palace made their first-ever appearance in the Community Shield, but they demonstrated their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite. Mateta missed a golden opportunity to equalize, but Sarr capitalized on the rebound after being fouled by Virgil van Dijk, calmly converting from the penalty spot.
Palace’s attacking threat continued throughout, exploiting gaps in Liverpool’s defense and forcing key saves from Alisson Becker. Their persistence paid off when Sarr’s pace allowed him to run onto Adam Wharton’s through ball and slot home the equalizer, his fourth goal in seven matches against Liverpool.
Penalty Drama
The match ultimately went to penalties, with a dramatic sequence deciding the outcome. Liverpool survived a VAR review for a potential handball against Mac Allister before the shootout began. Salah, Mac Allister, and Elliott all missed their penalties, while Palace’s Dean Henderson made crucial saves. Devenny sealed the victory with a confident strike, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of modern football.
“This is a landmark victory for Palace,” said manager Roy Hodgson. “It’s a reward for the players’ determination and a sign of what this team can achieve this season.”
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool’s strategy revolved around high pressing and quick transitions, leveraging the speed of their new attackers. Ekitike and Wirtz combined effectively in the early stages, but the Reds struggled to maintain defensive solidity, allowing Palace to exploit spaces behind the backline. Frimpong’s versatility provided moments of brilliance on both ends, but Palace’s organized counter-attacks ultimately forced Liverpool into mistakes.
Palace, meanwhile, played with confidence and composure. Mateta and Sarr’s movement created constant pressure, and their tactical discipline allowed them to absorb Liverpool’s early dominance. Hodgson’s decision to play high-tempo balls into space was rewarded, particularly in the second half, when Sarr’s equalizer set the stage for penalty drama.
Fans and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Wembley reflected the high stakes of the match, with supporters from both sides bringing energy and passion. Liverpool fans balanced their enthusiasm with remembrance, chanting for Jota and celebrating the contributions of past and present players. Palace supporters celebrated every twist in the game, witnessing their club make history with their first Community Shield win.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who won the 2025 FA Community Shield between Crystal Palace and Liverpool?
Crystal Palace won their first-ever FA Community Shield after a 2-2 draw, defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
What was the score during regular time?
The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scoring, and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr responding with goals.
How did the penalty shootout unfold?
Liverpool missed three of their penalties, including Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott, while Palace’s Justin Devenny scored the winning kick, securing the trophy.
Who were the standout performers?
Dean Henderson played a crucial role for Crystal Palace, saving key penalties, while Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta were vital in scoring during regular time. Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong impressed for Liverpool but couldn’t secure victory.
Why was the match emotional for Liverpool?
The match was overshadowed by the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident during the summer. Liverpool players wore “Forever 20” emblems in his honor, and fans paid tribute with chants and banners.
How significant is this win for Crystal Palace?
This victory marks Crystal Palace’s first-ever FA Community Shield title and follows their FA Cup triumph against Manchester City in May, highlighting the team’s growth and competitiveness in English football.
Who scored the opening goal of the match?
Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring for Liverpool in the fourth minute, assisted by Florian Wirtz, giving the Reds an early lead.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace’s stunning victory over a new-look Liverpool in the FA Community Shield was a perfect blend of drama, skill, and resilience. From coming back twice during regular time to holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout, the Eagles showcased determination and tactical intelligence. For Liverpool, the match highlighted both the promise of their new signings and the areas needing improvement, particularly defensively. Beyond the action on the pitch, the game was marked by emotion and tribute, honoring the late Diogo Jota. Ultimately, this thrilling encounter not only marked a historic first Community Shield for Crystal Palace but also set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable Premier League season ahead.
