New-Look Liverpool Fall to Crystal Palace in Community Shield
FA Cup winners Crystal Palace shocked Premier League champions Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield, claiming their first title in the competition after a tense penalty shootout at Wembley.
Palace twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw in regular time before edging the shootout 3-2. Liverpool’s new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both scored, but Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr hit back for Palace, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving twice in the shootout.
The victory built on Palace’s momentum after winning their first-ever major trophy in May’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Tributes to Diogo Jota
The game carried an emotional tone for Liverpool following the death of forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car accident alongside his brother. Ian Rush and Steve Parish laid wreaths before kickoff, while banners and flags filled the Liverpool end in tribute. Players wore a “Forever 20” emblem to honour Jota’s retired shirt number.
However, a planned minute’s silence was cut short due to crowd disturbances.
Early Action and First Goals
Liverpool’s £260 million summer signings were all handed starts by manager Arne Slot, with Ekitike showing his quality early by firing home from Florian Wirtz’s pass in the fourth minute. Palace, making their first appearance in the Community Shield, refused to sit back.
Mateta missed a clear chance but soon made amends after Virgil van Dijk fouled Sarr in the box. The striker sent Alisson Becker the wrong way from the penalty spot to level the match.
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Frimpong’s Strike and Palace’s Response
Liverpool regained the lead in the 20th minute when Frimpong’s chipped cross looped over Henderson into the net. Ekitike then missed a second clear chance, highlighting the Reds’ lack of attacking sharpness despite their high spending.
Palace remained dangerous on the break and levelled again in the 77th minute. Sarr latched onto Adam Wharton’s through ball and calmly slotted past Alisson, continuing his strong record against Liverpool.
Penalty Drama at Wembley
A late VAR review for a potential Liverpool handball was dismissed, sending the match straight to penalties. Henderson saved from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Mohamed Salah blazed over.
Palace’s Justin Devenny sealed the win by smashing the decisive spot kick high past Alisson, securing the club’s first-ever Community Shield victory.
