Crystal Palace have written yet another remarkable chapter in their history, defeating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Wembley. In a match brimming with high drama, emotional tributes, and moments of individual brilliance, the Eagles cemented their rapid transformation from long-time underdogs to genuine silverware contenders.
Just three months after lifting their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, Oliver Glasner’s side returned to the national stadium and produced another performance of resilience, composure, and belief. The victory makes them the first team in 50 years to win the Community Shield on their debut appearance, following in the footsteps of Derby County in 1975.
CRYSTAL PALACE ARE THE 2025 COMMUNITY SHIELD WINNERS ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/dXhwOVGbSZ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 10, 2025
Henderson the Hero Once More
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, already a Wembley hero from the FA Cup final, etched his name deeper into Palace folklore. His agility, focus, and mental strength under pressure proved decisive in the penalty shootout.
Henderson denied Alexis Mac Allister with a low, firm save, guessed correctly to thwart Harvey Elliott, and stood tall as Mohamed Salah uncharacteristically blazed his spot-kick over the bar. The stage was then set for Justin Devenny, a 21-year-old midfielder brought on in stoppage time with the weight of Palace’s hopes on his shoulders. His penalty was struck with power and precision into the top corner, sending the Palace end into raptures.
The image of Devenny wheeling away in celebration, arms wide in disbelief and joy, will live long in the memory of supporters who have waited decades for moments like this.
Liverpool Draw First Blood
Wembley’s pitch was still gleaming under the early summer sun when Liverpool struck. Florian Wirtz, the club’s £116 million record signing, wasted no time justifying his price tag. In the fourth minute, he slid a clever through ball to Hugo Ekitike, whose first touch set him perfectly for a low, right-foot strike into the far corner beyond Henderson’s reach.
Liverpool’s bright start suggested they might overwhelm Palace, but the Eagles responded with admirable composure. They pressed with intelligence, kept their defensive shape, and searched for openings on the counterattack.
Mateta’s Composed Equaliser
Their breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Ismaila Sarr was tripped by Virgil van Dijk inside the area. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace’s ever-reliable marksman, stepped up to the spot. With ice in his veins, he sent Alisson the wrong way to level the score at 1-1 and restore belief to the Palace ranks.
From that moment on, Palace’s confidence grew, matching Liverpool for pace and energy while maintaining discipline at the back.
Frimpong’s Moment of Flair
Liverpool regained the lead just after the halfway mark in the first half thanks to a moment of skill from new signing Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch right-back darted into the Palace penalty area, jinked past his marker, and lofted what seemed an intended cross. The ball, however, curled over Henderson, kissed the far post, and spun into the net.
The goal coincided with a poignant moment in the stands as Liverpool supporters marked the 20th minute with a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, the beloved forward who tragically lost his life in a car accident last month.
Missed Chances Come Back to Haunt Liverpool
Ekitike could have put the game beyond reach early in the second half. Twice he found himself unmarked in dangerous positions, first heading wide from close range and later blazing over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Those squandered chances proved costly. In the 68th minute, Sarr timed his run perfectly to beat Liverpool’s defensive line, latching onto a precise through ball before guiding a low shot off the inside of the post and into the net. Wembley erupted as Palace’s players rushed to celebrate in front of their travelling supporters.
Arne Slot acknowledged the areas for improvement we have after our penalties defeat in the FA Community Shield ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 10, 2025
Late Controversy and Near Misses
Palace thought they had another penalty when Mac Allister appeared to handle inside the box, but after a VAR review, the referee’s decision to wave play on was upheld. Moments later, Devenny came within inches of sealing victory in normal time, firing narrowly wide in stoppage time.
The match headed to penalties, and with the momentum firmly in their favour, Palace completed the job.
Glasner’s Tactical Bravery Pays Off
Manager Oliver Glasner showed courage and conviction by naming the exact same starting XI that defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final. This decision signalled his faith in the squad’s chemistry and his belief in rewarding players who have earned their place on the big stage.
The gamble paid off. Palace’s defensive unit, marshalled superbly by captain Marc Guehi, remained calm under Liverpool’s relentless pressure. Guehi’s leadership and sheer determination epitomised Palace’s approach — resolute at the back, opportunistic in attack, and fearless in the face of elite opposition.
Liverpool’s Emotional Return Falls Short
For Liverpool, this was far from an ordinary Community Shield. The grief following the deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva cast a solemn tone over the occasion. The club’s tributes before and during the match were heartfelt and dignified, but on the pitch, costly errors and missed opportunities denied them the perfect tribute of lifting the trophy.
Their two goals — both coming from the left side where Jota so often thrived — carried symbolic weight, but they were ultimately not enough to overcome Palace’s tenacity and composure under pressure.
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It shook. It was beautiful. It's history.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/o8XkF2kg9E
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 10, 2025
Conclusion
This Community Shield victory not only adds another trophy to Crystal Palace’s cabinet but also strengthens the belief that the club’s new era is here to stay. From a team that had never won a major honour to one that has now conquered both Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley in the space of three months, Palace are rapidly becoming one of English football’s most compelling stories.
With a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport looming over their Europa League participation, there is still uncertainty ahead. Yet, based on current form and mentality, Glasner’s side look well-equipped to face any challenge — on or off the pitch.
