SOCCER: Safonov the shootout hero as PSG sink Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup

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AL RAYYAN — Paris St Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in a dramatic shootout to lead the French champions to the Intercontinental Cup title following a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Flamengo in the final on Wednesday.

The Russian goalkeeper showed remarkable composure at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, denying four Flamengo penalty-takers as PSG claimed a 2–1 victory in the shootout.

The triumph marked PSG’s sixth title of 2025, with their maiden Intercontinental Cup added to an impressive haul that already included Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League, and the European Super Cup, capping a golden calendar year for the Parisian club.

Luis Enrique’s side took the lead in the first half through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Flamengo responded after the hour mark when Jorginho converted a penalty to level the score.

Flamengo, chasing a third major trophy this year after winning the Brazilian league title and the Supercopa do Brazil, proved a stubborn opponent, once again underlining the strength of South American football following the Club World Cup earlier this year.

“We can be proud of ourselves. We played a great match against a tough opponent,” said PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery. “Now we have to continue like this because the toughest part of the season is still ahead of us.”

Both teams traded early chances in an open first half. PSG initially thought they had broken the deadlock when Fabian Ruiz finished into an empty net after a poor clearance by goalkeeper Agustin Rossi, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review that ruled the ball had gone out of play in the buildup.

Flamengo responded by increasing their pressure, unsettling PSG’s back line and forcing Safonov into action. The goalkeeper denied a long-range effort from Erick Pulgar after blocking Bruno Henrique’s initial shot.

PSG suffered a setback on the half-hour when Lee Kang-in, struggling with a left-thigh injury, was forced off.

Despite Flamengo’s momentum, PSG struck against the run of play in the 38th minute. Senny Mayulu’s diagonal pass released Desire Doue down the right, and his low cross was only partially cleared by Rossi, allowing Kvaratskhelia to score from close range with his left foot.

SLENDER LEAD

Flamengo nearly equalized before halftime when Pulgar met Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s corner at the far post but headed narrowly wide, sending PSG into the break with a slender advantage.

PSG looked in control early in the second half until Marquinhos fouled De Arrascaeta in the penalty area. Jorginho calmly sent Safonov the wrong way from the spot to make it 1–1 in the 62nd minute.

PSG pushed for a winner through Joao Neves and Doue, before Luis Enrique brought on Ousmane Dembele. Flamengo, however, continued to threaten on the counter, forcing PSG to defend desperately in the closing minutes of regulation.

The French side created several chances in extra time, with Neves, Dembele, and Bradley Barcola all going close, but Flamengo matched PSG physically and held firm.

PSG pressed relentlessly late on, with Barcola’s deflected effort narrowly missing in the 117th minute, followed by a fine save from Rossi to deny Nuno Mendes. The final was ultimately decided by penalties.

Safonov conceded from the opening spot kick but then produced saves against Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira, and Luiz Araujo. Vitinha and Mendes converted for PSG, while missed efforts from Dembele and Barcola proved inconsequential as PSG lifted the trophy. -Reporting by Julien PretotEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters