DOHA, Qatar (AP) – Matvey Safonov helped Paris Saint-Germain defeat Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday to win their sixth trophy of 2025, making his fourth consecutive penalty save in the shootout.
The Russian goalkeeper was thrown into the air by his team-mates after his performance in the penalty shootout, which PSG won 2-1 after extra time and a 1-1 draw.
It was the end of a trophy-laden 12 months for the French team, who had already clinched the title. Trofe des ChampionsFrench League, French Cup, champions league and UEFA Super Cup — even in the penalty shootout against Tottenham in August.
PSG took the lead in the 38th minute with a goal from Juvica Kvaratschelia, while Flamengo were looking to win their second Intercontinental Cup title since 1981, with Marquinhos conceding Jorginho’s penalty in the 62nd minute.
Flamengo have won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in recent weeks.
This was PSG’s first world title.
star backup
Safonov, PSG’s reserve goalkeeper, had not played a single minute for the team until summer signing Lucas Chevalier injured his ankle at the end of November.
Chevalier was healthy enough to be on the bench against Flamengo, but Safonov held his place and was ultimately the hero of the shootout with consecutive saves from Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira and Luis Araujo.
Only three of the nine penalties were scored, first by Flamengo’s Samuel Lino, then by PSG’s Vicinha and Nuno Mendes.
Ousmane Dembele crowned best male player The player, who won the 2025 Best Player award at the FIFA Awards on Tuesday, was one of only two players to fail to score a spot goal for PSG.
running in europe
PSG’s success continued to see European teams win in the Intercontinental Cup finals. The Intercontinental Cup was held for over 40 years until 2004, when it was renamed the Club World Cup.
FIFA revamped the Club World Cup last year as a 32-team summer tournament, and reinstated the Intercontinental Cup after the first edition was held this year, with PSG losing to Chelsea in the final.
The last non-European team to win the Club World Cup or renamed Intercontinental Cup was Corinthians in 2012.
flamengo trophy
Despite the defeat, Flamengo returned from the Intercontinental Cup with two trophies in hand. Awarded by FIFA if you win an inter-federation match to advance to the finals.
Flamengo defeated Cruz Azul in a match that the organizers classified as the “American Derby”. The Brazilian champions then won the “Challenger Cup” by defeating Pyramid 2-0 in a virtual playoff to advance to the final.
The Intercontinental Cup featured six teams that won continental titles in each FIFA federation. PSG advanced directly to the final as European Champions League winners.
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