Community Shield: Ismaïla Sarr and Crystal Palace crowned champions of England | OneFootball

Ismaïla Sarr

Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Liverpool in the Community Shield final this Sunday at Wembley.

In this Wembley showdown, Ekitike made the difference against Richards before smashing home a powerful strike (0-1, 4th minute). The Eagles responded with Mateta denied by Alisson in a one-on-one. But moments later, Ismaïla Sarr won a penalty after a foul by Van Dijk! Facing Alisson, Mateta made amends by converting to the right (1-1, 17th minute).

In a symbolic moment, during the 20th minute as chants rang out for Jota, Liverpool regained the lead when Frimpong’s direct cross was misjudged by Henderson (1-2, 21st minute). After the break, with Wharton escaping a sending off for a studs-up challenge on Frimpong’s knee, Crystal Palace struck back almost immediately—Wharton set up Sarr, who coolly slotted past Alisson (2-2, 77th minute).

Unable to break the deadlock during regulation time, despite a last-gasp strike from Devenny, the two sides were forced to a penalty shootout. In this high-pressure scenario, the Eagles held their nerve as Salah, Mac Allister, and Elliott all missed for Liverpool, with Henderson making two crucial saves for the Reds.