Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool to Win First FA Community Shield

Crystal Palace Stun Liverpool to Win First FA Community Shield

Crystal Palace started their 2025/26 season in unforgettable fashion by defeating Liverpool in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium. The Eagles battled through an intense 2-2 draw and sealed the victory 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout, earning the club’s first-ever Community Shield trophy.

The result continues an incredible year for Palace, who lifted their first major piece of silverware—the FA Cup—only three months earlier. Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, Palace have transformed from mid-table battlers into genuine trophy contenders. Against Liverpool, they showed determination, tactical discipline, and big-game composure that underlined their growing status in English football.

Liverpool Strike Early but Palace Hit Back

Liverpool entered the match as reigning Premier League champions and clear favourites. They wasted no time in showing their intent. In just the fourth minute, new signing Hugo Ekitike made an instant impact. The French striker, brought in to strengthen Liverpool’s attack, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and smashed it past Dean Henderson to give the Reds an early 1-0 lead.

That goal seemed to wake Palace up. The Eagles began to press higher and push more players forward, looking for a way back into the game. Their breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Virgil van Dijk brought down Ismaila Sarr inside the penalty area. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up confidently, sending Alisson the wrong way to make it 1-1.

Frimpong’s Goal Restores Liverpool’s Advantage

Liverpool’s response to Palace’s equaliser was immediate. Only minutes later, right-back Jeremie Frimpong surged down the flank and whipped in a looping cross. Whether he meant it or not, the ball sailed over Henderson, struck the far post, and bounced into the net. Frimpong’s goal restored Liverpool’s lead and put the pressure back on Palace.

The rest of the first half played out at a frantic pace. Liverpool continued to look dangerous on the counterattack, while Palace tried to carve out opportunities through quick passing in the final third. Both teams created chances, but the score remained 2-1 to Liverpool at the break.

Sarr Levels the Game Again

Palace emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy and belief. They refused to allow Liverpool’s attacking stars too much space and focused on winning the midfield battles. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute.

Ismaila Sarr, who had been a constant threat with his pace, timed his run perfectly to latch onto a through ball. The Senegalese winger kept his composure as he bore down on Alisson, slotting the ball calmly into the corner to make it 2-2. The Palace fans erupted, sensing that another Wembley triumph might be possible.

The Shootout Drama

With no extra time in the Community Shield, the game moved straight to penalties after 90 minutes. The tension inside Wembley reached boiling point as both sets of fans roared their teams on.

Liverpool stepped up first, but their usually reliable takers faltered. Mohamed Salah missed his attempt, followed by Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott also failing to convert. Dean Henderson guessed right on key occasions, making vital saves that kept Palace in control.

Palace’s penalty takers stayed composed. Mateta and Sarr both scored confidently before Justin Devenny, brought on late in the second half, walked up to take the decisive kick. Devenny fired the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations from the Palace players, staff, and supporters.

The shootout ended 3-2 in Palace’s favour, sealing a historic victory. Henderson, who lifted the trophy alongside captain Marc Guéhi, earned the Man of the Match award for his heroics in goal.

A Historic Moment for Crystal Palace.

Winning the FA Community Shield might not carry the same prestige as the Premier League or FA Cup, but for Crystal Palace, this moment represents a huge milestone. For decades, the South London club had fought simply to remain in the top flight. Now, under Glasner’s leadership, they have won back-to-back trophies at Wembley.

Glasner’s tactics once again proved decisive. His ability to balance defensive organisation with quick, incisive attacking play has given Palace an identity that works against even the biggest sides. The manager praised his squad’s mentality after the game, saying they had earned the right to dream of more silverware this season.

Liverpool’s Concerns

For Liverpool, the defeat came as a disappointment. New manager Arne Slot has made several high-profile signings, including Ekitike and Frimpong, both of whom scored in the game. While their attacking play showed promise, defensive lapses cost them.

Missing three penalties in the shootout also raised questions about the team’s composure under pressure. Slot will need to address these issues quickly with the Premier League season kicking off in just a week.

Looking Ahead

Crystal Palace will now approach the new campaign with confidence and belief. Their squad has depth, experience, and attacking flair. With European football on the horizon and momentum firmly on their side, Palace could be set for their most successful season yet.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will regroup and focus on defending their league title. They still possess world-class talent across the pitch, but this defeat serves as a reminder that the margins at the top of the game are small, and any drop in standards can be punished.

Final Word

The 2025 Community Shield will be remembered as the day Crystal Palace truly announced themselves as a force in English football. From Sarr’s clinical equaliser to Henderson’s penalty heroics, the Eagles delivered a performance full of heart and quality.

As Palace’s fans sang their victory chants under the Wembley arch, it felt like the start of something even bigger. For a club that has spent most of its history in the shadows, the sun is now shining brightly on Selhurst Park.