Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool (3-2 Pens): Palace Lift First Community Shield Title

Crystal Palace captured their first Community Shield by defeating Premier League champions Liverpool in a dramatic shootout at Wembley. The match ended 2-2 in regulation time before Palace triumphed 3-2 on penalties. Attendance reached 82,645, with Chris Kavanagh officiating the final. 

From the outset, Liverpool’s summer statement signing Hugo Ekitiké stunned the Eagles by converting Florian Wirtz’s clever assist in the fourth minute. Palace answered through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr. Liverpool retook the lead when Jeremie Frimpong’s cross looped over the goalkeeper in the 21st minute. 

Palace’s persistence paid off in the second half when Sarr delivered a composed finish in the 77th minute. The match went to penalties, where Liverpool faltered; Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott failed to convert, while Justin Devenny struck the decisive spot-kick for Palace. Dean Henderson was vital, saving multiple attempts in the shootout. 

In terms of match metrics, Liverpool held 58.6 percent possession and completed 86.2 percent of passes, compared to Palace’s 41.4 percent possession and 79.3 percent passing accuracy. Both sides delivered ten to eleven shots each, with Palace edging slightly ahead in clear-cut chances and corners. Foul counts stood at three for Palace and eleven for Liverpool, with no cards issued. 

This win adds to Palace’s golden year, where they also lifted their first major trophy; the FA Cup earlier in May. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s heavily retooled summer squad impressed early but exposed defensive fragilities, with questions arising over their composure under pressure.