Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool by winning the Community Shield 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regular time. The game saw new Liverpool signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong score for the Reds, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr netted for Palace.
Match Highlights:
Early Goal: Liverpool took the lead within four minutes, courtesy of Hugo Ekitike's precise finish assisted by Florian Wirtz.
Palace Equalizer: Crystal Palace leveled the score after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta coolly converted the penalty.
Frimpong's Stunner: Jeremie Frimpong restored Liverpool's lead with a chipped cross that looped over Dean Henderson and into the net.
Sarr's Equalizer: Palace leveled again in the 77th minute when Sarr sped onto Adam Wharton's through ball and calmly slotted past Alisson.
Penalty Shootout:
Heroic Henderson: Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was the hero, saving shots from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott.
Winning Penalty: Youngster Justin Devenny blasted the winning spot kick high past Alisson, securing Palace's first-ever Community Shield victory.
Post-Match Reaction:
Palace Coach: Oliver Glasner praised his team's performance, saying, "We were on the same level as Liverpool, and it was a big performance. I'm proud of the team."
Liverpool Manager: Arne Slot acknowledged the tough battle, noting, "It was a close game, and penalties can go either way. We'll learn from this and come back stronger".
