Matvey Safonov's goal-keeping heroics secure PSG's first Intercontinental Cup, achieving an unprecedented sixth trophy in a record-breaking year.
Paris Saint-Germain has won its first international title, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Brazilian side Flamengo on penalties, thanks to a brilliant performance from its backup goalkeeper, Matvey Safonov.
PSG started the game without their best player Ousmane Dembele but Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia made sure that the Parisians didn't miss their French superstar.
After 120 minutes at Qatar's Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the teams finished level. Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead in the 38th minute, but Jorginho equalized for Flamengo with a 60th-minute penalty after Marquinhos committed a foul in the box.
Matvey Safanov saved four out of Flamengo's five penalties as two of Luis Enrique's substitutes, Dembele and Bradley Barcola failed to convert their respective spot kicks.
Luis Enrique, Paris Saint Germain's Coach, praised the Russian Goalkeeper after the game saying, "It's the first time I've seen a goalkeeper save four penalties."
PSG entered the final directly as last season's European Champions, and Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo, had to beat Cruz Azul and Pyramids to reach the showpiece final.
Luis Enrique also talked about Les Parisens latest feat after the game saying, "I think this year is impossible to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain,” the Spanish coach added. “Six trophies, not bad. We must keep going and keep making history."We saw a very good match, with a Flamengo team that plays very well."It was very difficult, but the quality and mentality of the players were there, and seeing that spirit was a real pleasure against a very good team."For us, it’s always special to come back to Doha. We’re happy every time we’re here""Our objective will be the same: to keep winning and playing our best football."
With yesterday's victory, Enrique and PSG joined an elite company of teams to have won six trophies in a single calendar year. They won the Trophee des Champions, the French League, the French Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup, and now the Intercontinental Cup, a feat only achieved by Barcelona and Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola and Hansi Flick, respectively.
Apart from Safanov's heroics, Paris' Vitinha was adjudged as the tournament's best player by the organisers after a brilliant display in the final. Alongside his trusted teammates Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz, the 25-year-old has shone brightly in recent months, and it's no wonder some consider him simply the best number 6 in the world right now.