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IMAGO / Offside Sports Photography
LONDON – Crystal Palace stunned FC Liverpool in a penalty shootout (3-2) following a 2-2 draw at Wembley Stadium on saturday, claiming victory in the 2024 FA Community Shield. The match marked Arne SlotS first competitive fixture as Liverpool manager.
Liverpool, who invested approximately €300 million in new players during the transfer window, saw their hopes of an early-season trophy dashed.New signings Hugo Ekitiké, a former Eintracht Frankfurt forward, adn Jeremie Frimpong both found the net for Liverpool. Ekitiké scored in the 4th minute, with frimpong adding another in the 21st minute. Florian Wirtz was also presented as a Liverpool player during the match.
Crystal Palace responded with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, converting a penalty in the 17th minute, and Ismaila Sarr, who equalized in the 77th minute. The London club, managed by Oliver Glasner, demonstrated their ability to challenge top-tier opposition, having previously defeated Manchester city in the 2023 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved two Liverpool penalties, securing the win for his team.The Community Shield, traditionally played between the reigning Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners, serves as a curtain-raiser to the English football season. This is Crystal palace’s second Community Shield title, their first coming in 1991.
