BREAKING: Crystal Palace Defeat Liverpool To Win 2025/2026 Community Shield
Crystal Palace have won the Community Shield for the first time after beating Liverpool 3-2 on penalties.
Last season’s FA Cup winners twice came from behind in 90 minutes and then won it in the shootout. Dean Henderson was the hero again for Palace, saving from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, blazed his effort over the crossbar.
Liverpool’s new signing Hugo Ekitike scored on his competitive debut to fire Arne Slot’s side ahead after just four minutes, with fellow debutant Florian Wirtz providing the assist.
Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled things up from the penalty spot, sending Alisson Becker the wrong way after Virgil van Dijk gave away a spot-kick for a clumsy foul on Ismaila Sarr.
Jeremie Frimpong, another new recruit, restored Liverpool’s lead in the first half with a freakish goal as his cross spinned over Dean Henderson into the far post.
Sarr then scored the only goal of the second half after a brilliant ball from Adam Wharton to make it 2-2 and force a penalty shootout – with Henderson making saves and Justin Devenny netting the winning spot-kick.
Despite Liverpool’s £300 million summer signings, including Wirtz and Ekitike, Palace’s tactical discipline under Oliver Glasner frustrated the Reds.
This historic triumph marks Palace’s first-ever Community Shield victory and follows their maiden major trophy, the FA Cup, won earlier this year under manager Oliver Glasner.
Liverpool, despite entering as favourites with several high-profile additions and under new manager Arne Slot, were unable to convert their early advantage into silverware.
The match also featured an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota, adding poignancy to the fiercely competitive contest.
The Community Shield win offers a sensational boost to Palace ahead of their European campaign and confirms their momentum under Glasner’s leadership, while Liverpool face fresh questions about their readiness despite significant summer spending.
The match, broadcast on TNT Sports 1 to an 80,000-strong Wembley crowd, marked Palace’s debut in the competition after their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
Posts on X captured the electric atmosphere, with @CPFC declaring, “Crystal Palace are the 2025 Community Shield winners!” This victory sets a bold tone for Palace’s 2025/26 season, while Liverpool regroup for their Premier League opener.
