Liverpool started their 2025-26 season with a tough loss, falling to Crystal Palace on penalties in the FA Community Shield at Wembley.
Despite a promising start with goals from new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds were pegged back twice by Palace and ultimately lost in the shootout.
The game began brightly for Liverpool with Ekitike scoring inside four minutes after a slick pass from Wirtz. However, Palace responded quickly when Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a foul on Ismaila Sarr, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to score from the penalty spot.
Liverpool reclaimed the lead just after the 20-minute mark with Frimpong scoring a stunning cross-shot, much to the applause of fans remembering the late Diogo Jota.
Liverpool dominated possession in the first half (65%) and created more chances, with Wirtz a constant threat. Yet Palace remained dangerous, pressing for an equaliser.
The second half saw Liverpool push for a winner, but Palace’s Ismaila Sarr made it 2-2 with a powerful strike after some defensive lapses.
Despite introducing Alexis Mac Allister to inject energy, Liverpool couldn’t break through, and the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, Salah and Mac Allister missed their attempts, while Crystal Palace’s Devenny scored the decisive penalty to seal the win for Palace.
Liverpool now turns their attention to the Premier League opener with plenty to work on after a hard-fought contest against a determined Palace side.
