A Colombian Triumph in English Football
Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma have written a new chapter in Colombian football history by lifting the 2025 Community Shield with Crystal Palace. In a thrilling final against Liverpool at Wembley, Palace emerged victorious 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw in regular time.
Muñoz started as right-back, putting in a solid defensive display while offering constant attacking support down the flank. Lerma, on the other hand, began on the bench but entered late in the second half to bolster the midfield during the decisive stages of the match.
How Did the Match Unfold?
Liverpool, led by new manager Arne Slot, struck first with a beautifully orchestrated move on the left wing. Florian Wirtz threaded a precise assist to Hugo Ekitike, whose curling shot beat Dean Henderson for the opener.
Palace equalised 15 minutes later when Ismaïla Sarr was brought down inside the box. Jean-Philippe Mateta converted the spot-kick, sending Alisson Becker the wrong way.
The parity didn’t last long. Four minutes later, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a long ball to Jeremie Frimpong, whose cross-turned-shot found its way into the net, restoring Liverpool’s lead.
Crystal Palace came out swinging in the second half, with Muñoz making dangerous overlapping runs. However, Liverpool’s defence, coupled with Alisson’s saves, kept them ahead. Persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Adam Wharton slipped a through ball to Sarr, who smashed it in off the post for the 2-2.
Ten minutes later, Lerma joined the action, adding steel to the midfield as the game headed for penalties.
The Nerve-Wracking Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, Palace held their nerve. Mateta, Sarr, and Justin Devenny scored for the London side, while Liverpool faltered — Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott all missed their attempts. Henderson’s key saves and Liverpool’s errors sealed the title for Palace.
For Muñoz and Lerma, the victory was not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Colombian football fans, as two of their own lifted silverware on English soil.
What’s Next for Muñoz and Lerma?
The win sets an optimistic tone for Crystal Palace as they head into the Premier League season. Their opening match will be against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 a.m. (Colombian time).
Both players are expected to play key roles for manager Oliver Glasner this season. Muñoz’s attacking dynamism and defensive solidity make him a valuable asset, while Lerma’s versatility and tenacity in midfield will be crucial in tough matches.
With the Community Shield now in their hands, the challenge ahead will be to carry this momentum into the league and possibly European competition.
