Quick Read
Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium.
New Liverpool signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored on their debuts.
A poignant tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota took place around the 20th minute.
Crystal Palace secured their first-ever Community Shield title in their inaugural appearance.
The match served as an exciting and emotional season opener for English football.
The 2025 FA Community Shield, held on August 10 at Wembley Stadium, delivered a thrilling curtain-raiser to the English football season as Premier League champions Liverpool faced FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. The match ended 2-2 after regulation time, with Crystal Palace prevailing 3-2 on penalties to lift their first Community Shield trophy.
A Season of High Stakes
Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, came into the match following their second modern-era Premier League title. Crystal Palace had made history by winning the FA Cup for the first time, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in May, marking their maiden major trophy. The Community Shield, while viewed as a ceremonial curtain-raiser, offers both teams an early chance for silverware and a momentum boost.
Liverpool’s squad featured fresh additions like Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike, both making their competitive debuts, while the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid was keenly felt. Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, largely retained their key squad members, including star winger Eberechi Eze, opting for stability after their historic FA Cup success.
Thrills and Drama on the Pitch
Liverpool took an early lead in the fourth minute through Hugo Ekitike, who calmly finished from close range after a precise setup by Florian Wirtz. Crystal Palace leveled via Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 17th-minute penalty, awarded after a foul on Ismaïla Sarr. Liverpool regained the lead in the 21st minute with a remarkable solo goal from Jeremie Frimpong that appeared to start as a cross but ended up in the net, delighting the Liverpool fans.
The match carried a touching undertone as Liverpool fans honored the late Diogo Jota in the 20th minute with applause. Jota, who tragically passed away in July, wore the number 20 jersey, and the timing of Frimpong’s goal during this tribute added to the emotional atmosphere. However, a moment of silence held prior to kickoff was abruptly cut short due to disruption from some fans.
The second half saw Crystal Palace’s persistence pay off when Ismaïla Sarr equalized in the 77th minute with a smart finish on a fast counterattack. Despite Liverpool’s defensive resilience led by Virgil van Dijk and crucial saves from goalkeeper Alisson Becker, the game ended 2-2, leading to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout and Outcome
In the shootout, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made vital saves to deny Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott. After Mohamed Salah missed Liverpool’s first penalty, Palace converted three of their spot-kicks, with Justin Devenny scoring the decisive penalty to seal a 3-2 shootout victory. This victory gave Crystal Palace their first-ever FA Community Shield crown in their debut appearance.
Significance of the Match
While the Community Shield is not often seen as a major trophy, it remains a symbolic trophy signaling the start of the English football season. This match provided a platform for new Liverpool signings to impress and for Crystal Palace to showcase their resilience and competitive spirit against the reigning league champions. Crystal Palace’s victory marked an uplifting moment, underlining their rising status in English football after their FA Cup triumph.
As the Premier League season kicks off, the 2025 Community Shield has proven once again to bring drama, excitement, and moments that transcend sport, blending competition with heartfelt tributes and fresh narratives for the season ahead.