Crystal Palace have etched their name into football history, defeating Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield for the first time after a pulsating 2–2 draw at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The Eagles, making their debut in the traditional season curtain-raiser, showed determination and resilience to twice come from behind against the reigning Premier League champions before sealing victory 3–2 in a tense shootout. The triumph comes just three months after Palace claimed their first-ever major honour by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, signalling a remarkable new era for the club.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool started brightly, with new £69 million signing Hugo Ekitike breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute. The French striker latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from fellow debutant Florian Wirtz and drilled a low shot into the far corner.
Palace responded positively, pressing high and exploiting gaps in Liverpool’s defence. Their persistence paid off when Jean-Philippe Mateta was brought down in the box by Virgil van Dijk. The striker converted the penalty with composure to level the score at 1–1 in the 17th minute.
Liverpool regained the lead shortly after when Jeremie Frimpong’s lofted cross deceived Dean Henderson and dropped into the net to make it 2–1 before the break.
The second half brought more chances for both sides. Ekitike squandered an opportunity to double Liverpool’s advantage, firing over from close range. Palace continued to threaten, and in the 77th minute, Adam Wharton played a precise through ball to Ismaïla Sarr, who raced clear and slotted home for his fourth goal in seven games against Liverpool.
The equaliser sent the contest straight to penalties after 90 minutes, with no extra time played.
Liverpool faltered from the spot, with Mohamed Salah missing the target and both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott denied by Henderson’s sharp saves. Palace’s Justin Devenny stepped up for the decisive kick, smashing it high into the net to seal the 3–2 shootout win and spark wild celebrations among the Palace faithful.
The match was played under a sombre shadow following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother in a car accident earlier this summer. A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, though it was cut short due to disturbances in the crowd. Liverpool players wore shirts featuring the “Forever 20” emblem in tribute to Jota’s retired shirt number.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner hailed the victory as proof of his side’s growing belief and quality. From being a club with no major honours to lifting both the FA Cup and the Community Shield in the space of 85 days, the Eagles have transformed their identity and ambition.
With European competition ahead and momentum firmly on their side, Crystal Palace have shown they are no longer just contenders—they are winners.
