Bitter debut for Liverpool's 'galácticos' against Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, winner of the last FA Cup, was crowned champion of the Community Shield by defeating Liverpool, current Premier League champion and full of 'galactic' signings, at Wembley. The match ended 2-2 in regular time, but the London team took the title in the penalty shootout (3-2).

The 'Reds' took the lead very early. In the 3rd minute, Frenchman Hugo Ekitike scored on his debut with a rebound at the edge of the area, having arrived this summer from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Palace responded quickly. In the 14th minute, Virgil van Dijk brought down Ismaslia Sarr inside the area and the main referee Chris Kavanagh did not hesitate to award a penalty. Jean Philippe Mateta scored the equalizer from the spot.

The draw, however, was short-lived, as in the 20th minute Liverpool regained the lead with a chip goal from Jeremie Frimpong, leaving goalkeeper Dean Henderson with no chance. Arne Slot's team seemed to have the title in their pocket, but everything fell apart in the final stretch.

With 15 minutes left in the match, Ismalia Sarr made it 2-2 with a powerful shot, forcing the penalty shootout. In the last play of the match, Justin Devenny had a clear chance that went very close to Alisson Becker's goal. Palace finished the final stronger physically and mentally.

Penalties condemned Liverpool against Crystal Palace

In the penalty shootout, the goalkeepers were key figures, with better luck for the former Manchester United player Dean Henderson. The Englishman saved the shots of Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliot, while Mohamed Salah started the shootout by sending his shot into the clouds.

For the winning team, managed by Austrian Oliver Glasner, Jean Philippe Mateta, Ismalia Sarr, and Justin Devenny scored; Eberechi Eze and Borna Sosa missed. Meanwhile, for Arne Slot's team, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboslai scored, an insufficient balance to even force the extension of the shootout.

Crystal Palace wins its third national title

The 24/25 season was historic for the London team, after beating Manchester City and winning the FA Cup. Now, with the Community Shield obtained against Liverpool, they add their third national title to the trophy cabinet, including the Full Members Cup played in 90/91, a tournament that was created after the expulsion of English clubs from UEFA tournaments between 1985 and 1992.

Palace was previously champion of the second division in the 78/79 and 93/94 seasons and of the third division in 1920-1921. For Liverpool, the start of 25/26 is very bitter and disappointing.

The 'Reds', current Premier League champions, have spent almost 300 million on reinforcements, with Florian Wirtz (125 'kilos') being their most expensive signing. The German, in his official debut, provided the assist with which the other 'top' summer signing, Hugo Ekitike, opened the scoring. Now, those from Merseyside will make an extra effort to add Alexander Isak to their 'galactic' squad.