Liverpool newcomer Wirtz faces delay in claiming his first championship title with the club
Crystal Palace Triumphs Over Liverpool in Penalty Shootout
In a thrilling encounter at London's Wembley Stadium, Crystal Palace emerged victorious over FC Liverpool in the English Super Cup, winning 3-2 in a tense penalty shootout. The match ended in a draw after extra time, with the final score being 2-2.
The opening goal of the game was scored by Ekitiké for Crystal Palace just four minutes into the match, while Wirtz, Liverpool's highly-anticipated new signing, had to wait for his debut in the Super Cup. It's worth noting that as of August 18, 2025, Wirtz has not yet made his debut in the Super Cup for Liverpool. His first appearances for the club so far have been in pre-season friendly matches and his Premier League debut, but not in the English Super Cup.
Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized for Crystal Palace from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, and Jeremie Frimpong scored for Crystal Palace with a somewhat wayward cross in the 21st minute, taking the score to 2-1 for Crystal Palace. However, neither team could find the winning goal during regular play or extra time, leading to the dramatic penalty shootout.
Dean Henderson was the hero for Crystal Palace in the shootout, saving two penalties, while Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott scored for Liverpool. Despite this, Crystal Palace managed to secure the win with three successful penalties, ensuring a memorable start to the season for the club under coach Oliver Glasner.
Ismaila Sarr scored a goal for Crystal Palace in the 77th minute, adding to the excitement of the match. It's also worth mentioning that a minute's silence was held before the match to remember Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car crash during the summer break.
Before the match, Florian Wirtz was named Germany's Footballer of the Year, adding to the anticipation surrounding his Liverpool debut. However, Wirtz was not on the pitch during the penalty decision, having been substituted in the 84th minute.
Wirtz joined Liverpool for a potential total of 150 million euros, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. Despite not featuring in the Super Cup, fans and pundits will be eagerly awaiting his first appearance in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart and Michael Olise from Bayern were among the nominees for Germany's Footballer of the Year, along with Wirtz.
This exciting match marked the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, with both teams looking forward to a successful campaign ahead.
In the thrilling 2025-2026 season opener, Crystal Palace secured victory over fellow European-leagues contenders Liverpool in a penalty shootout, following a drawn game after extra time. This victory, however, came without the participation of Liverpool's record-breaking signing Florian Wirtz, who was named Germany's Footballer of the Year before the match but was substituted before the penalty decisions.
