Crystal Palace stun Liverpool in penalty drama to claim first community shield
Crystal Palace lifted the Community Shield for the first time in their history after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Liverpool, following a 2–2 draw in normal time. Teenager Justin Devenny sealed the win with the decisive spot-kick after goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott.
Match summary
Crystal Palace 2–2 Liverpool (3–2 on penalties)
Goals:
-
Palace: Mateta (pen 17′), Sarr (77′)
-
Liverpool: Ekitike (4′), Frimpong (21′)
Key moments
Liverpool’s early dominance
The Premier League champions raced ahead inside four minutes. New signing Hugo Ekitike combined with Florian Wirtz on the left edge of the box, glided past his marker, and curled a clinical finish beyond Dean Henderson.
Palace fight back
Against the run of play, Virgil van Dijk’s mistimed challenge brought down Ismaila Sarr in the box. Jean-Philippe Mateta coolly converted the penalty (17′), sending Alisson the wrong way.
Liverpool restored their lead quickly when Jeremie Frimpong finished off a slick team move (21′), but Palace refused to relent. Ismaila Sarr headed home the equalizer (77′) after sustained second-half pressure, forcing a penalty shootout.
Shootout heroics
Dean Henderson emerged as Palace’s savior, denying Mac Allister and Elliott from the spot. Substitute Justin Devenny, 19, held his nerve to score the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Eagles’ supporters.
Significance
The victory marks Palace’s maiden Community Shield triumph and delivers an early statement under new manager Oliver Glasner. For Liverpool, the defeat raises questions about defensive sharpness ahead of their Premier League title defense.
