Liverpool tops Chelsea in 80th minute

Chelsea's Michael Ballack trudges off during his first half substitution after receiving an injury in...

CARDIFF, Wales - Liverpool's Peter Crouch scored on a header in the 80th minute to send the FA Cup winners past league champion Chelsea 2-1 Sunday in the Community Shield, the traditional lead-in to the English Premier League season.

Crouch was unmarked as he jumped to head the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. Liverpool had scored its first goal in the ninth minute on a counter attack, with John Arne Riise making a solo run and shooting past Cudicini.

"They just backed off and backed off, and I thought I'll just have a go," Riise said. "I caught it sweet."

Liverpool fielded a below-strength lineup against a Chelsea squad with almost all its stars, including new additions Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack. Shevchenko had a goal, and Ballack left with an injury after 26 minutes.

Shevchenko scored in the 43rd minute, taking Frank Lampard's cross from the halfway line and chesting it down to sidefoot past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Ten minutes earlier, Shevchenko curled a long shot that a diving Reina parried with one hand.

The Premier League season begins Saturday, with Liverpool opening at Sheffield United and Chelsea hosting Manchester City next Sunday. Chelsea is bidding for its third consecutive league title.

Ballack appeared to hurt his leg, holding ice to his left hip before being substituted. Earlier, he drew a yellow card in the sixth minute.