Liverpool and Glasner's level even in Community Shield victory celebration
Crystal Palace's European Journey Remains Undecided Ahead of Community Shield Victory
Crystal Palace have secured a place in European football for the 2025-26 season, following their FA Cup victory last year. However, the specific competition they will participate in is still uncertain, with an appeal hearing scheduled for Monday to determine their fate.
The Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, expressed delight after his team's Community Shield triumph, but the looming appeal hearing adds an element of uncertainty to their European aspirations. The multi-club ownership issues have led to Crystal Palace being demoted to the UEFA Conference League, despite their FA Cup victory.
Despite the demotion, Glasner remains confident that his squad will be ready for European football. He highlighted the team's cohesion and togetherness under his management as a key factor in his confidence. The manager believes the team can handle the increased workload, having won the FA Cup last season.
In the Community Shield match against Liverpool, Crystal Palace displayed a strong performance, with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.03 from their 14 shots, compared to Liverpool's 1.08. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, requiring a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. In the shoot-out, Crystal Palace emerged victorious, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson playing a crucial role.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a penalty for Crystal Palace, equalizing the score at 1-1, while Justin Devenny scored the winning penalty. Ismaila Sarr equalized for Palace with a well-taken finish, while Jeremie Frimpong's cross-shot gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead before half-time. Hugo Ekitike scored the first goal for Liverpool in the fourth minute of the game.
Glasner has made just two signings in the summer transfer window: Walter Benitez and Borna Sosa. The manager is looking for "clear profiles for characters" to find the right balance for the squad. He suggested that more signings may arrive before the Premier League season starts, expressing satisfaction with the squad, having won the Community Shield.
The Community Shield victory has earned Crystal Palace a place in European football, but the specific competition is still undecided. The Palace fans will be eagerly waiting for the outcome of the appeal hearing on Monday, hoping for a place in the Europa League. The first leg of the Conference League play-off round, should the appeal be unsuccessful, will take place at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2025.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025). Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58365362
[2] Sky Sports. (2025). Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12353063/crystal-palace-demoted-to-uefa-conference-league
[3] The Guardian. (2025). Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/15/crystal-palace-demoted-to-uefa-conference-league
[4] The Independent. (2025). Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-uefa-conference-league-b1910454.html
[5] The Telegraph. (2025). Crystal Palace demoted to UEFA Conference League. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/07/15/crystal-palace-demoted-uefa-conference-league/
Despite Crystal Palace securing a place in European football for the 2025-26 season, their participation in a specific competition remains undecided due to an upcoming appeal hearing. Regardless of this uncertainty, the manager, Oliver Glasner, is confident about his team's readiness for European sports, particularly football.
