Although Liverpool took the lead in the Community Shield thanks to goals from Ekitik and Frimpong, they conceded goals in the later stages and ultimately lost to Crystal Palace on penalties, missing out on the title. Van Dijk stated that the team must improve in all areas, as defending their Premier League title will be an incredibly difficult task.

In the 4th minute, Ekitik scored from the edge of the penalty area after receiving a cross from Wirtz, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead. In the 15th minute, Ismaila Sarr was tripped by Van Dijk, prompting a penalty kick for Crystal Palace. Mateta then converted the penalty kick to tie the score at 1-1.

In the 21st minute, Soboslai made a long pass, Frimpong got the ball, broke through the defense and entered the penalty area to score, helping Liverpool to lead Crystal Palace again with 2 to 1. In the 77th minute, Gakpo was intercepted, Adam Walton assisted Ismaila Sarr to score, helping Crystal Palace to equalize the score at 2-2.

In the penalty shootout, Salah, McAllister and Elliott missed their penalties, and Liverpool eventually lost to Crystal Palace 2-3 in the penalty shootout.

In addition, the 2025/26 Premier League season is about to begin, and Liverpool will host Bournemouth at home in the first round, officially starting their title defense journey.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk said, "We have mixed feelings. It is disappointing that we failed to win the Community Shield. We had the chance to win the game and we also had the chance to avoid this result, but the reality is that we lost the game. This is also the end of the pre-season. Now we must be ready and go all out to face Bournemouth."

“Whether it’s victory or defeat, we have rich experience. The impact of this game should make us realize that if we want to defend the Premier League title, we still have some areas to improve, and defending the title itself is a very difficult task. We will devote ourselves to the preparations for the match against Bournemouth. It will be a very difficult game, but I am really looking forward to the start of the Premier League.”

"We're going to play in front of our home fans and we all know it's going to be exciting in the current context, but I'm really looking forward to it," Van Dijk said.

It is worth mentioning that Liverpool's new signings Ekiti and Frimpong both scored goals in the match against Crystal Palace, which will undoubtedly add some confidence.

Van Dijk said: "It's never easy to come here from another country, but I think Ekitik has adapted well. His goal was wonderful and very important. I hope there will be more goals like this in the future."