London, August 11 (HS): Crystal Palace stunned Premier League champions Liverpool to lift the Community Shield, prevailing 3-2 in a gripping penalty shootout at Wembley after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson emerged as the hero yet again, replicating his FA Cup final heroics with two vital penalty saves — denying Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott — while Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool’s opening spot-kick over the bar. Substitute Justin Devenny coolly slotted home the decisive penalty to spark jubilant celebrations from the Eagles’ faithful.
Liverpool had struck within four minutes, new signing Hugo Ekitike linking brilliantly with Florian Wirtz to put them ahead. Palace restored parity in the 17th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the spot after Virgil van Dijk’s foul. Moments later, Jeremie Frimpong restored Liverpool’s lead in freak fashion, his intended cross ricocheting in off the post.
Ekitike twice squandered chances to kill the tie in the second half, and Palace made them pay as Ismaïla Sarr levelled in the 77th minute. Both sides chased a late winner, but the match was destined for a shootout — one that Palace dominated.
The victory not only delivered Palace’s first-ever Community Shield but also extended their incredible run at Wembley to three consecutive wins — turning the iconic ground into their favourite hunting ground.
Final Score:
- Full Time: Liverpool 2–2 Crystal Palace
- Penalties: Crystal Palace 3–2 Liverpool
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
