Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties to hand Paris Saint-Germain a 2-1 shoot-out victory over Flamengo, securing the club’s first-ever Intercontinental Cup title.
Paris Saint-Germain secured their first global title on Wednesday, defeating Flamengo in a dramatic Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar.
After the match finished 1-1 following extra time, goalkeeper Matvey Safonov became the hero by saving four of Flamengo’s five spot-kicks in the shoot-out.
The victory ensures Luis Enrique’s side makes history, as they become the first French club to win either the Intercontinental Cup or the FIFA Club World Cup.
The European champions dominated possession early, taking the lead in the 38th minute through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after an earlier goal by Fabian Ruiz was controversially disallowed by VAR.
However, Flamengo fought back in the second half, equalizing via a Jorginho penalty after Marquinhos was judged to have fouled Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Despite the introduction of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, PSG were unable to find a winner before the match moved to penalties.
Safonov’s brilliance in the shoot-out overshadowed misses from Dembele and Bradley Barcola, as the Russian keeper denied Saul, Pedro, Leo Pereira, and Luiz Araujo.
This triumph marks a spectacular “five-star year” for the club, adding to their Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup trophies.
PSG had to stay patient for this success, firing off 23 shots to Flamengo’s 11 throughout the tightly contested final.