City beat Liverpool on penalties to win Community Shield

LONDON, August 4 

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Manchester City struck an early blow for the forthcoming Premier League campaign as they beat 5-4 Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday after an absorbing contest had finished 1-1.

Former Liverpool player Raheem Sterling gave the English champions the lead in a first half they dominated as Liverpool’s sluggish pre-season form continued.

But European champions Liverpool were quicker and sharper in the second period.

They equalised through Joel Matip’s header and created a host of other chances to take the lead as City appeared to tire.

City’s Kyle Walker made a last-ditch goal line clearance from Mo Salah’s effort in the dying moments and with no extra time being played the showpiece went to a penalty shootout.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who completed an unprecedented domestic treble last season after also winning the Community Shield curtain-raiser, scored all five of their spot kicks. Claudio Bravo’s save from Liverpool’s second penalty, struck by Georginio Wijnaldum, proved decisive as City once again displayed their appetite for the big occasion. “It’s the first trophy you can win, for me growing up this was a big one, it starts off the season and hopefully we can replicate what we did last season,” Walker said.

Dortmund surprise Bayern  

Borussia Dortmund stunned Bayern Munich 2-0 in the German Supercup final on the strength of goals by Paco Alcacer and Jadon Sancho.

Alcacer made it 1-0 lead at the 48th minute. Sancho then intercepted a pass by Jerome Boateng and beat Neuer with a crossing shot to give Dortmund an insurance goal at 69th minute

Man U sign Harry Maguire 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the signing of Premier League club Leicester City’s Harry Maguire and the ace defender is set to complete his move to the Old Trafford during this week. 

While speaking to reporters after his team’s win against AC Milan in their final pre-season match on Saturday, Solskjaer said the official announcement of the ^80million signing of Maguire will be made very soon. “Let’s get the last details over the line but yeah, it will happen soon,” Solskjaer told reporters. 

When asked whether Maguire will take the field immediately after being signed, he said: “He has played a few games over the summer so we will have to assess him if and when (he joins).”

Barca sign Betis’ Firpo  

Barcelona have signed Spanish left back Junior Firpo from Real Betis on a five-year deal for an initial transfer fee of ^18 million, the Spanish champions said on Sunday. 

Firpo, 22, is Barcelona’s fourth recruit of the close season after the Catalans signed forward Antoine Griezmann, midfielder Frenkie De Jong and goalkeeper Neto. 

Schalke boss under fire

Schalke chairman Clemens Toennies is facing calls to resign a fortnight before the start of the Bundesliga season following widespread condemnation of racist comments he made last week. The 63-year-old has been criticised for saying more power stations should be built in Africa, “then Africans would stop felling trees and producing children when it gets dark”. 

The billionaire businessman made the remark at a forum in Paderborn on Thursday while criticising tax increases to fight climate change. — Agencies