Crystal Palace Beat Liverpool in Penalty Shootout to Win Community Shield
The 2025 Community Shield gave football fans everything they love goals, drama, and a tense penalty shootout. Crystal Palace stunned Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
The hero was again Dean Henderson, who made key saves in the shootout. Just like in the FA Cup final earlier this year, Henderson kept his cool and helped Palace lift another trophy.
A Big Day at Wembley
The Community Shield is the first big match before the English football season starts. It brings together the Premier League winners and the FA Cup winners.
Liverpool came into the game as the defending league champions. Crystal Palace were fresh from winning their first-ever FA Cup in May. For both teams, this was a chance to send a strong message before the new season.
The stadium was full, with fans from both sides singing loudly. Everyone knew this game would be more than just a friendly it was a fight for early-season bragging rights.
Liverpool Score Early Through New Signing Ekitike
The game started at a fast pace. In only the 4th minute, Liverpool’s new striker Hugo Ekitike scored his first goal for the club. He combined with Florian Wirtz, their record signing, in a quick passing move. Ekitike finished calmly past Henderson to make it 1-0.
Liverpool fans celebrated loudly. The goal showed their new players could bring even more attacking power to the team this season. But Palace stayed calm and began to fight back.
Mateta Brings Palace Level
Palace didn’t take long to answer. In the 17th minute, Ismaila Sarr made a clever run into the Liverpool box. Virgil van Dijk brought him down, and the referee gave a penalty.
Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up and sent Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker the wrong way. The score was now 1-1, and Palace’s fans went wild.
This goal gave Palace confidence. They started pressing higher up the pitch and creating more chances.
Frimpong Restores Liverpool’s Lead
In the 20th minute, Liverpool fans held a special moment to remember Diogo Jota by applauding in honour of his shirt number. Right after this, Liverpool scored again.
Jeremie Frimpong, their new right-back, tried to cross the ball, but it looped over Henderson and hit the post before going in. It was a lucky goal, but it gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead.
Still, Palace refused to give up. They kept trying to attack on the counter and looked dangerous every time they went forward.
Henderson Keeps Palace Alive
At the start of the second half, Liverpool tried to score a third goal to kill the game. Twice, Ekitike came close, but Henderson made sharp saves to keep Palace in it.
Palace’s playmaker Eberechi Eze then started making an impact. He tested Alisson with a low shot that forced the keeper into action. Palace were still in the game and pushing for another equaliser.
Sarr Strikes Again for 2-2
With 13 minutes left, Palace got their chance. A perfect pass sent Sarr through on goal. He stayed calm and slid the ball past Alisson to make it 2-2.
The game became very tense after that. Alexis Mac Allister escaped a penalty after a VAR check for handball. In injury time, Justin Devenny nearly scored the winner for Palace, but the match went to penalties.
The Penalty Shootout
Liverpool went first, with Mohamed Salah stepping up. To everyone’s shock, he blasted the ball over the crossbar.
Palace scored their first penalty, and then Henderson made a brilliant save from Mac Allister. Liverpool scored their next one, but Harvey Elliott was denied by Henderson again.
Finally, it was Devenny who had the chance to win it for Palace. He smashed his shot into the top corner, giving Palace a 3-2 victory in the shootout.
Henderson the Hero Again
After the match, Henderson said he loved big pressure moments. He also remembered saving a penalty in the FA Cup final to help Palace win their first trophy.
For Palace fans, Henderson is now a true Wembley hero. His saves have helped the team win two major matches at the famous stadium in just a few months.
Three Wins in a Row at Wembley
This victory is Palace’s third straight win at Wembley. They beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, won a semi-final before that, and now added the Community Shield.
Manager Oliver Glasner praised his players for their hard work and team spirit. He said the win was proof that Palace could compete with the best teams in England.
What This Means for the New Season
For Liverpool, this was a disappointing start, but they showed promise with their new signings. Ekitike and Wirtz looked dangerous, and they will be key players in the coming months.
For Palace, the win is a huge boost. Beating Liverpool at Wembley proves they are no longer just underdogs. They now have the belief that they can aim high in the Premier League this season.
