Matvei Safonov Helps PSG Script History With FIFA Intercontinental Cup Title Following Win Over Flamengo

Last Updated:December 18, 2025, 10:55 IST

UEFA Champions League holders PSG found an unlikely hero in back-up goalkeeper Safonov, who saved four penalties to help the Parisians edge out the Brazilians outfit.

PSG's players celebrate with the winner trophy after winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final soccer match between Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Sayed)

European champions PSG scripted history as they clinched their first-ever FIFA Intercontinental Cup following a shootout win over South American champions Flamengo in Qatar on Wednesday.

UEFA Champions League holders PSG found an unlikely hero in back-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who saved four penalties to help the Parisians edge out the Brazilians outfit.

PSG took the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Jorginho’s penalty equalised for Flamengo, resulting in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Flamengo, the Copa Libertadores winners, had defeated Mexican side Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids last week to earn their place against PSG. They pushed the European champions hard with a determined performance.

However, Luis Enrique’s squad, who had a bye to the final, were grateful to Safonov and followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid, who won the inaugural title last year.

“This year is unforgettable for Paris Saint-Germain. Six trophies, not bad. We must keep going. It’s our mentality to keep winning and keep making history," said Luis Enrique.

PSG appeared to have taken the lead in the ninth minute when Fabian Ruiz cleverly hooked the ball into an empty net after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi miskicked a clearance while attempting to prevent a corner. However, the goal was disallowed by VAR as Rossi had narrowly failed to keep the ball in play.

PSG eventually broke the deadlock eight minutes before half-time due to another error by Rossi. The Argentinian turned Desire Doue’s low cross, which seemed too strong for Kvaratskhelia, straight into the Georgian’s path for an easy tap-in.

Flamengo stayed in the game and were awarded a penalty on the hour mark after a foul by Marquinhos on Uruguay midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, following a VAR review. Jorginho, formerly of Chelsea and Arsenal, stepped up and sent Safonov the wrong way in his usual style.

PSG pressed for a winner, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, who set up a last-minute chance for Marquinhos. However, the centre-back couldn’t react quickly enough to get his effort on target, and the game went into extra time.

Both teams had half-chances during the added half-hour, with Dembele narrowly missing a shot in the 116th minute. Safonov, playing in place of the usual first-choice Lucas Chevalier who is recovering from an ankle injury, stole the headlines and spared the blushes of Dembele and Barcola, who both missed for PSG.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

News sports football Matvei Safonov Helps PSG Script History With FIFA Intercontinental Cup Title Following Win Over Flamengo

Read More