London, August 11, 2025
Crystal Palace claimed their first-ever FA Community Shield title, overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool in a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory after a 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday. The FA Cup winners twice came from behind to upset a new-look Liverpool side, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr scoring to cancel out goals from Liverpool’s debutants Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.
The traditional English football season curtain-raiser was overshadowed by tragedy, as Liverpool mourned the loss of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva earlier this summer. A minute’s silence was held before kickoff, though it was cut short due to crowd disturbances.
Tributes to Jota were prominent, with Liverpool fans displaying banners and flags, and players wearing a “Forever 20” emblem—referencing Jota’s retired shirt number—throughout the season. Wreaths were laid by Reds legend Ian Rush and Palace chairman Steve Parish in a poignant pre-match ceremony.
Liverpool, who invested £260 million ($350m) in new signings to bolster their record-equalling 20th league title-winning squad, started all four newcomers: Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez.
Ekitike, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million ($93m), made an immediate impact, firing home in the fourth minute after a pinpoint pass from Wirtz. Palace responded, however, with Mateta converting a penalty after Sarr was fouled by Virgil van Dijk, who struggled defensively.
Liverpool retook the lead in the 20th minute, coinciding with fans chanting Jota’s name. Frimpong’s chipped cross caught Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson off guard, sailing into the far corner. Despite Ekitike missing a chance for a second goal early in the second half, Palace’s pace troubled Liverpool’s reorganized defense.
Sarr equalized 13 minutes from time, latching onto Adam Wharton’s through ball to slot past Alisson Becker for his fourth goal in seven games against the Reds.
The match proceeded directly to penalties without extra time, where Palace goalkeeper Henderson emerged as the hero, saving shots from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Mohamed Salah blazed his effort over the bar.
Youngster Justin Devenny sealed the victory for Palace, blasting the decisive spot-kick past Alisson.The result highlighted Palace’s ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite, building on their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May.
For Liverpool, the defeat exposed defensive frailties in Arne Slot’s new-look side, despite their attacking promise. Ekitike’s performance strengthened his case to be Slot’s preferred striker, especially as Liverpool pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
As the English season begins, Palace’s victory sends a bold statement, while Liverpool will look to regroup ahead of their Premier League title defense.