In a thrilling start to the 2025-2026 season, Crystal Palace stunned Premier League champions Liverpool to win their first-ever Community Shield, securing a 3-2 victory on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, showcased their summer signings, with Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez all making their competitive debuts. Ekitike wasted no time, delivering a brilliant opener inside four minutes, spinning on the edge of the box after a one-two with Wirtz and slotting the ball into the far corner. However, Crystal Palace responded swiftly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting a penalty in the 17th minute after Virgil van Dijk tripped Ismaila Sarr.
The goals kept coming as Frimpong restored Liverpool's lead with a cross that turned into a goal, slicing his delivery over Crystal Palace's goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The goal occurred at 20 minutes and 20 seconds into the match, coinciding with Liverpool fans paying tribute to Diogo Jota.
Crystal Palace, however, remained resilient. In the 77th minute, Ismaila Sarr equalized, latching onto a through ball from Adam Wharton and finishing past Alisson Becker. The match ended 2-2, leading to a penalty shootout.
The shootout was filled with drama. Crystal Palace's goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, proved to be the hero, reinforcing his reputation as a penalty-saving expert. Mohamed Salah missed Liverpool's first penalty, blazing it over the bar. Mateta converted his penalty, giving Palace an early advantage. Henderson then saved Alexis Mac Allister's attempt, before Alisson denied Eberechi Eze. Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool, but Sarr responded for Crystal Palace. Henderson then made another crucial save, this time from Harvey Elliott. New signing Borna Sosa hit the crossbar for Palace, keeping Liverpool's hope alive. Dominik Szoboszlai scored to keep Liverpool in the shootout. Ultimately, it was Crystal Palace substitute Justin Devenny who sealed the victory, smashing his penalty past Alisson.
Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace's manager, selected the same starting XI that had secured their FA Cup win against Manchester City. This marked Crystal Palace's first-ever Community Shield appearance, a reward for their FA Cup victory. For Liverpool, Curtis Jones was given an opportunity in midfield, but it was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace who impressed, dictating play and providing the assist for Sarr's equalizing goal.
The match also featured a poignant tribute to Diogo Jota before kickoff. Despite Liverpool's significant spending on new players, Crystal Palace demonstrated their ability to compete with the top teams, showcasing a well-drilled defense and capitalizing on Liverpool's fallibility. With this Community Shield win, Crystal Palace added another trophy to their cabinet, marking a historic moment for the club and their fans.
