Crystal Palace have done it again at Wembley, following up their historic FA Cup win last season by defeating Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield after a tense 2-2 draw and a nail-biting penalty shootout. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have transformed into a team that thrives on the big stage, toppling yet another Premier League giant.
Liverpool Strike Early Through Record Signing
Liverpool’s summer business looked to be paying off immediately. In just the 4th minute, Florian Wirtz and £80m signing Hugo Ekitiké combined brilliantly, with the French striker turning sharply and firing home his first competitive goal for the Reds.
Palace Respond from the Spot — But Reds Retake the Lead
Palace hit back in the 17th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta confidently converted a penalty after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaïla Sarr inside the box. But the joy was short-lived — just four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong’s curling cross flew over goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the net, restoring Liverpool’s advantage.
Sarr Sparks Palace Comeback
The second half saw Crystal Palace grow stronger as Liverpool began to fade. Ismaïla Sarr eventually levelled the score in the 77th minute, coolly finishing past Alisson after Chris Richards won possession deep in Liverpool’s half. The equaliser set up a tense finale, with Palace losing captain Marc Guéhi to injury but gaining an unlikely hero in young substitute Justin Devenny.
Penalty Shootout Seals the Upset
In the shootout, Liverpool crumbled. Mohamed Salah blazed the opening penalty over the bar, and Henderson — wearing his trademark black cap — saved efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. While Alisson made key stops of his own, Palace held their nerve with Mateta, Sarr, and Devenny all scoring to secure the Community Shield.
What This Win Means for Palace
Having waited 120 years for silverware before last season, Crystal Palace have now won two trophies in just three months. Glasner’s side have become giant killers at Wembley, taking down both Manchester City and Liverpool in finals. Their fearlessness against the Premier League’s elite will make them a team to watch in the 2025/26 season.
Who scored for Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield?
Hugo Ekitiké and Jeremie Frimpong found the net for Liverpool.
How did Crystal Palace score their goals?
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a penalty, and Ismaïla Sarr netted the equaliser from open play.
Who was the hero in the penalty shootout?
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved two penalties, while Justin Devenny scored the winning spot-kick.
How many trophies have Palace won under Oliver Glasner?
Two — the 2025 FA Cup and the 2025 Community Shield.
