DOHA: Paris St Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in a dramatic shootout to hand the French champions the FIFA Intercontinental Cup title after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Flamengo in the final on Wednesday.

The Russian back-up goalkeeper was a model of composure to deny four Flamengo penalty-takers as PSG secured a 2-1 victory in the shootout at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

It was PSG’s sixth title in 2025, with their maiden Intercontinental Cup added to a trophy haul from a golden calendar year that already included Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League and the European Super Cup.

“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.”

Luis Enrique’s team had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvarat­skhelia in the first half, only for Jorginho to level for the Brazilian side with a penalty shortly after the hour.

Copa Libertadores winners Fla­m­e­ngo — who were gunning for a third major title this year after winning the Brazilian title and the Supercopa do Brazil — defeated Mexicans Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids last week to earn the right to face PSG and pushed the European champions all the way with a dogged display, once again showing the quality of South American football in the wake of the Club World Cup earlier this year.

But Luis Enrique’s men, who received a bye to the final, followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid who lifted the inaugural title last year.

“I think this year is impossible to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain. It’s an unforgettable year,” said Luis Enrique. “Six trophies, not bad. We must keep going. It’s our mentality to keep winning and keep making history. That’s what we want.”

Both teams traded early chances in an open first half, with PSG initially thinking they had taken the lead when Fabian Ruiz cleverly hooked the ball into an empty net after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi miskicked a clearance while trying to prevent a corner. The goal was overturned following a VAR review, the referee ruling the ball had gone out of play in the buildup.

Flamengo responded by stepping up their pressing and began to unsettle the PSG back line, forcing Safonov into action when Bruno Henriques shot was blocked and Erick Pulgar followed up with a long-range effort that the goalkeeper saved.

PSG were then dealt a blow on the half-hour when Lee Kang-in, struggling with a left-thigh injury, was forced to leave the pitch.

The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 38th minute as PSG struck on the counter. Senny Mayulus diagonal pass released Desire Doue down the right and his low cross was only half-cleared by Rossi, allowing Kvaratskhelia to convert from close range with his left foot.

Flamengo nearly levelled before the interval when Pulgar met Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s corner at the far post but headed narrowly wide, leaving PSG to reach the break holding a slender lead.

PSG appeared in control in the second half, until Marquinhos tripped De Arrascaeta in the box and Jorginho sent Safonov the wr­o­ng way with the resulting penalty to equalise in the 62nd minute.

Joao Neves and Doue had chances as PSG pushed for a second but Flamengo held firm and Luis Enrique replaced Doue with Ousmane Dembele.

Flamengo, however, threatened on the break and the French side were forced to defend desperately five minutes from time.

PSG had opportunities in quick succession through Neves, Demb­ele and Bradley Barcola in the first half of extra time but Flamengo were physically up to the task.

PSG threw caution to the wind in the closing stages with clear chances for Dembele and Barcola, whose deflected shot went just wide in the 117th minute. Nuno Mendes forced a fine save from Rossi one minute later but the final was to be decided on penalties.

That set the stage for Safonov — playing in place of regular first-choice Lucas Chevalier who is still regaining full fitness after an ank­le injury — to steal the headlines.

Safonov conceded from the first spot kick before denying Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira and finally Luiz Araujo. Vitinha and Mendes found the back of the net for PSG, while Dembele’s and Barcola’s misses proved inconsequential.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2025