Closing the 20th matchday of Ligue 1, Matvey Safonov was again decisive against Strasbourg by saving Joaquin Panichelli's penalty during Paris Saint-Germain's victory at La Meinau (1-2).

The Russian last line of defense thus has five saves in this exercise this season in just seven attempts (only Nicolas de la Cruz and Jorginho have scored against Safonov from 11 meters).

According to Opta, no one matches the Parisian wall in the five major leagues. For comparison, Lucas Chevalier has three saves (out of seven attempts) in the exercise. A telling statistic at a time when the two Parisians are fighting for the number one spot...

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In Russia, the media is logically much less measured after Safonov's great performance against Strasbourg.

Like the newspaper Championat, which states that "Safonov now seems able to be considered PSG's number one goalkeeper. At least for now. The Russian's convincing performance in the 20th matchday against Strasbourg only strengthened his status in Paris. Thanks in particular to his talent for saving penalties."

Sportbox went further, stating, "Safonov saved the penalty and became PSG's hero. No one even remembers Chevalier anymore."

And it doesn't stop there, as Sport24 indicates that "Chevalier's transfer to PSG is already turning into a fiasco," asserting that Safonov had won an undisputed starting spot.

Luis Enrique's comments have not helped matters. Asked about his goalkeeper's new decisive performance, the Spanish technician had very strong words, which should not help the case of the French international.

"Safonov? I believe he is the best goalkeeper I have had in my career for stopping penalties. I have had several, though. He can guess the side the taker will choose," admitted the former Barcelona coach about his goalkeeper.

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