Safonov the shootout hero as PSG outlast Flamengo to claim Intercontinental Cup
Matvey Safonov delivered a defining performance as Paris St Germain edged Flamengo on penalties to win the Intercontinental Cup, with the Russian goalkeeper saving four spot kicks after a tense 1 1 draw in Wednesday’s final.
Safonov’s composure in the shootout sealed a 2 1 victory at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium after goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Jorginho had left the contest finely balanced at the end of extra time.
The triumph marked PSG’s sixth trophy of 2025 and their first Intercontinental Cup, adding further gloss to a remarkable year that already included Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League and the European Super Cup.
For Luis Enrique’s side, the final was another test of resilience against elite opposition. Flamengo arrived chasing a third major honour of the year after domestic success in Brazil and again underlined the strength of South American sides following the Club World Cup earlier in the season.
The opening exchanges were played at high tempo, with both teams keen to impose themselves early. PSG thought they had struck first when Fabian Ruiz tapped into an empty net following a poor clearance from Agustin Rossi, only for VAR to rule the ball had gone out of play in the buildup.
Flamengo responded with increased intensity and began to stretch PSG’s defensive structure. Safonov was called into action as Bruno Henrique saw a close range effort blocked before Erick Pulgar tested the goalkeeper from distance.
PSG suffered a setback on the half hour when Lee Kang in was forced off with a left thigh problem, disrupting their rhythm during a period of sustained Flamengo pressure.
Against the run of play, PSG found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Senny Mayulu’s diagonal pass released Desire Doue on the right and his low cross was only partially cleared by Rossi, allowing Kvaratskhelia to finish calmly from close range.
Flamengo almost responded immediately. Pulgar rose highest at the far post to meet Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s corner but headed narrowly wide, sending PSG into the interval with a fragile lead.
The French champions appeared comfortable early in the second half until Marquinhos conceded a penalty by tripping De Arrascaeta. Jorginho stepped up in the 62nd minute and sent Safonov the wrong way to level the final.
PSG pushed for a winner through Joao Neves and Doue before Luis Enrique introduced Ousmane Dembele to add directness. Flamengo remained dangerous on the counter, forcing PSG into desperate defending late in normal time.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with PSG creating a flurry of chances through Neves, Dembele and Bradley Barcola, while Flamengo matched them physically and refused to yield. Barcola went close in the 117th minute with a deflected effort before Nuno Mendes forced a sharp save from Rossi.
The final was ultimately decided from the spot. Safonov recovered after conceding the opening penalty to deny Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira and Luiz Araujo in succession. Vitinha and Mendes converted for PSG, rendering missed efforts from Dembele and Barcola irrelevant.
The victory caps a historic year for PSG and underlines Safonov’s growing importance on the biggest stage, while Flamengo depart with pride after pushing Europe’s champions to the limit.