LONDON-(MaraviPost)-Crystal Palace lifted the first silverware of the 2025/26 season after edging Liverpool 3-2 on penalties in a pulsating FA Community Shield clash at Wembley Stadium.

The FA Cup holders twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw before holding their nerve in the shootout, claiming the trophy on their first attempt.

The match began in electrifying fashion, with tension palpable in the stands. Liverpool, under new boss Arne Slot, showcased their fresh attacking firepower early on.

Just four minutes in, Hugo Ekitike linked up superbly with fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz, finding the bottom corner to give the Reds the lead.

Palace refused to be rattled. Mere moments later, Jean-Philippe Mateta won a penalty after a chaotic sequence in which Alisson Becker was adjudged to have brought him down, following Virgil van Dijk’s challenge on Ismaila Sarr.

Mateta calmly sent Alisson the wrong way from the spot to restore parity.

The first half remained fiercely contested, with both sides carving out chances. Palace suffered a setback when Will Hughes replaced the injured Daichi Kamada just before the break.

After the restart, Liverpool regained the lead, but Palace’s determination was unshaken. Adam Wharton who would later be named Man of the Match sparked a crucial moment by intercepting Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass.

His drive forward set up another equaliser, with Sarr nearly turning the game on its head when his late strike crashed off the post. Milos Kerkez’s last-ditch block preserved the 2-2 scoreline as the match headed for penalties.

In the shootout, Palace kept their composure, converting three spot-kicks while Liverpool faltered.

When the final whistle blew, the Palace players erupted into wild celebrations, embracing each other in disbelief and joy.