What a night in Doha! 🤩 Yesterday, Paris Saint-Germain clinched the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout, thanks to an unreal performance by Matvei Safonov. The 24-year-old shot-stopper pulled off four straight penalty saves, sealing PSG's sixth trophy of 2025.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG an early lead in the 38th minute, but Marquinhos conceded a spot-kick that Jorginho coolly converted for Flamengo in the 62nd.
In the shootout, Safonov, who stepped in when Lucas Chevalier picked up an ankle injury, denied Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira and Luiz Araujo. Only three of the nine penalties found the net: Nicolas de la Cruz for Flamengo, and Vitinha plus Nuno Mendes for PSG.
This caps an insane 12 months for PSG, who have already lifted the Trophee des Champions (French super cup), Ligue 1, French Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. 🔥 It's their first global title with Safonov shining – he hadn't played a minute for PSG until late November.
Just a day earlier, Ousmane Dembélé was crowned FIFA's Best Men's Player of 2025, though he missed his spot-kick in the shootout alongside Bradley Barcola. From Mumbai to Manila, fans flooded social media celebrating Safonov's heroics and PSG's never-ending trophy haul. 🎉⚽
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Safonov makes four penalty saves to help PSG win Intercontinental Cup
cgtn.com
