Palace beat Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield After a 2-2 draw

    By
    Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
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    Crystal Palace secured another historic Wembley triumph with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Community Shield, following a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time.

    Just three months after lifting their first-ever major trophy; the FA Cup in May against Manchester City, the Eagles once again defied the odds, coming from behind twice before holding their nerve in the shoot-out.

    Liverpool Strike First, Palace Respond

    Liverpool’s summer transfer spending spree, totalling £265 million, seemed to be paying off early. New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both found the net, with Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz combining impressively in attack. Ekitike and Wirtz also missed chances that could have put the game beyond Palace’s reach.

    But Palace refused to fold. A clumsy foul from Virgil van Dijk on Ismaila Sarr allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to convert from the spot for the first equaliser. Later, Van Dijk’s lapse in positioning gave Adam Wharton the chance to set up Sarr for Palace’s second, which he buried off the post.

    Chances, Controversy, and Close Calls

    Palace pressed for a winner in normal time — Eberechi Eze forced a fine save from Alisson, and a potential penalty appeal for a handball by Alexis Mac Allister was waved away. Substitute Justin Devenny came agonisingly close in stoppage time, sending a low shot inches wide.

    Henderson the Hero

    In the shoot-out, Dean Henderson made two crucial saves, while Mohamed Salah uncharacteristically blazed over the bar. With the scores level in the shoot-out, Devenny stepped up and calmly buried the winning kick, sparking wild celebrations in the Palace end.

    Victory Amid Uncertainty

    Palace beat Liverpool on penalties to win Community Shield

    The win came against the backdrop of ongoing tension with UEFA, which has demoted Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League over multi-club ownership concerns. The club’s appeal is due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday, and Palace fans made their feelings known with banners protesting the decision.

    For now, manager Oliver Glasner and his squad can revel in another famous Wembley night — and proof that Palace’s FA Cup glory was just the beginning of their new era.

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    Author

    • Daniel Ablordey

      Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

      As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

      Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

      Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

      His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.