Big-Spending Liverpool Stunned by Crystal Palace in Community Shield Defeat

Liverpool's high-profile summer signings couldn't deliver silverware in their first competitive outing of the new season, as Crystal Palace pulled off a shock win in the FA Community Shield.

Despite heavy investment in the transfer market, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong making an immediate impact on the scoresheet, the Reds were held 2–2 in regulation time. Crystal Palace responded brilliantly on both occasions and eventually clinched the trophy in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 3–2.

This marks only the second major trophy in Palace’s history — their first coming just months earlier in May, when they shocked Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.

2025, FA Community Shield

Crystal Palace - Liverpool 2:2 (1:2), shoot-out 3:2
Goals: Ekitike, 4 (0:1); Mateta, 17 (penalty) (1:1); Frimpong J., 21 (1:2); Sarr Is., 77 (2:2)

Crystal Palace: Henderson D.; Guehi; Lacroix M.; Mitchell T.; Muñoz D.; Richards Chr.; Sarr Is.; Wharton A.; Eze; Kamada (Hughes W., 29); Mateta
Bench: Clyne; Devenny; Lerma; Esse

Liverpool: Alisson; Konate; van Dijk; Kerkez M.; Frimpong J.; Jones Cur.; Szoboszlai; Wirtz; Salah; Ekitike; Gakpo
Bench: Robertson A.; Endo W.; Chiesa F.; Mac Allister A.; Ngumoha; Nyoni; Elliott H.; Doak
Yellow Cards: Konate 43; Wirtz 44