In a match filled with anticipation and overshadowed by the impending Premier League trophy lift, Liverpool played out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 25, 2025, to close out the 2024-25 Premier League season. Despite the Reds’ recent dip in form, the atmosphere was electric as fans packed the stadium to celebrate their team’s 20th top-flight title, secured weeks earlier under the guidance of manager Arne Slot. However, Crystal Palace, fresh off their historic FA Cup triumph, proved they were no mere spectators, delivering a spirited performance that nearly stole the show.
The game started with a shock as Crystal Palace took the lead just nine minutes in. Ismaila Sarr, capitalizing on a precise assist from Tyrick Mitchell, fired a stylish finish past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, silencing the Anfield crowd momentarily. The early goal set the tone for a first half where Palace, buoyed by their FA Cup victory over Manchester City the previous weekend, showed confidence and composure. Liverpool, despite their attacking prowess throughout the season, struggled to find their rhythm, with the occasion perhaps weighing heavily on a side that has not won since clinching the title four games ago.
As the second half began, Liverpool made a tactical change, bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold for Conor Bradley to bolster their right flank. The substitution sparked a response, and the Reds began to assert themselves. In the 67th minute, Ryan Gravenberch restored parity, latching onto a well-worked move to slot the ball past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Anfield erupted, sensing a comeback that would fittingly cap their championship campaign. The momentum swung further in Liverpool’s favor when Mohamed Salah, ever the talisman, produced a moment of magic in the 83rd minute. Cody Gakpo’s knockdown found Salah, who unleashed a spectacular volley reminiscent of Paolo Di Canio’s iconic strike, only for it to be disallowed after a VAR review confirmed an offside in the build-up.
The drama didn’t end there. In stoppage time, Palace’s Eddie Nketiah nearly snatched a famous victory, but Alisson’s sharp save preserved a point for the hosts. Virgil van Dijk, who picked up a late yellow card for a foul, was a rock at the back despite the early defensive lapse. The final whistle brought mixed emotions: disappointment at Liverpool’s four-game winless streak but overwhelming joy as the focus shifted to the trophy lift. After an emotional team talk from Slot, the squad returned to the pitch, where captain Van Dijk hoisted the Premier League trophy amidst a sea of red flares and deafening cheers. Nearly a million fans are expected to line the streets for a celebratory parade, marking the club’s first title lift in front of supporters since 2020.
For Crystal Palace, the draw was a testament to their resilience. Finishing the season 12th with 49 points, the Eagles showed they could compete with the best, their even goal difference and recent form underlining a campaign of progress. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze tested Liverpool’s defense throughout, while Henderson’s solid performance in goal kept Palace in the game. Their European adventure in the UEFA Europa League awaits next season, a fitting reward for their historic FA Cup win.