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

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Dec 17 : Paris St Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in a dramatic shootout to hand the French champions the Intercontinental Cup title after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Flamengo in the final on Wednesday.

The Russian 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.

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.

Flamengo, who were gunning for a third major title this year after winning the Brazilian title and the Supercopa do Brazil, proved a tough nut to crack, once again showing the quality of South American football in the wake of 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, with PSG initially thinking they had taken the lead when Fabian Ruiz finished into an empty net after a poor clearance by Agustin Rossi.

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 Henrique’s