Crystal Palace claimed their first Community Shield title in club history, defeating Premier League champions Liverpool 3–2 on penalties after a thrilling 2–2 draw at Wembley. Dean Henderson’s heroics in the shootout sealed a famous win for Oliver Glasner’s side.
First Half: Early Drama and Instant Responses
The match began with a tribute, as both sets of fans observed a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
Liverpool wasted no time in striking first. New signing Hugo Ekitiké combined brilliantly with Florian Wirtz before firing clinically past Dean Henderson from the edge of the box in just the fifth minute.
Palace, unfazed, found an equaliser through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who converted from the spot after Virgil van Dijk tripped Ismaïla Sarr in the box.
The Eagles’ joy was short-lived — just minutes later, Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong produced a moment of fortune, as his attempted cross drifted over Henderson and into the net to restore the Reds’ advantage.
The rest of the half saw both sides probing, with Palace’s wingbacks stretching Liverpool’s defence, while Wirtz dictated the tempo for the champions.
Second Half: Sarr Strikes, Palace Fight Back
Liverpool had the first big chance after the restart when Ekitiké blazed over from close range. Palace responded with Eberechi Eze forcing a save from Alisson before Chris Richards headed tamely into the Brazilian’s gloves.
Manager Arne Slot tried to tighten things up by replacing Ekitiké with Wataru Endō, but the change backfired. In the 70th minute, Palace pounced on a gap in Liverpool’s backline, with Sarr slotting past Alisson via the post to level the match at 2–2.
Palace pushed for a winner late on, with a penalty shout waved away by VAR after Sarr was denied by a last-ditch block from Milos Kerkez. Liverpool threatened through Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian’s half-volley went straight at Henderson. The best chance to win it fell to Palace substitute Justin Devenny, who dragged a shot wide in stoppage time.
Penalty Shootout: Henderson the Hero
The shootout proved decisive. Henderson saved efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Salah fired his penalty over the bar. Palace converted three of their four kicks to seal a historic Community Shield triumph.
