Crystal Palace claimed the Community Shield for the first time in their history, defeating Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley.
Premier League champions Liverpool appeared on course for victory when new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong found the net. However, Palace struck back through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr to force a shootout.
In a tense and error-filled penalty contest, Mohamed Salah fired over the crossbar, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott saw their efforts saved by a superb Dean Henderson. The Palace goalkeeper’s heroics capped off another historic triumph for the Eagles, who lifted their first major trophy in May by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Making their maiden appearance in the season’s curtain-raiser, Palace once again proved their ability to go toe-to-toe with England’s elite over 90 minutes. Mateta, despite scoring earlier, missed a golden opportunity to level during regular time when he failed to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in a one-on-one.
The result cements Palace’s remarkable rise under their current management and sets the tone for what could be another memorable campaign.