PSG coach Luis Enrique drops goalkeeper Chevalier and picks Safonov against Newcastle

By Canadian Press on January 28, 2026.

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique dropped goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and selected Matvei Safonov for Wednesday’s home game against Newcastle in the Champions League.

Chevalier conceded a soft late goal in a 2-1 defeat to Sporting last Tuesday, and has been erratic since joining from Lille in the offseason as a replacement for Italy standout Gianluigi Donnarumma following his move to Manchester City.

Luis Enrique was keen to sign Chevalier because of his ability to better pass out from the back than Donnarumma, but the somewhat inexperienced Chevalier has made several mistakes this season and looked vulnerable on crosses and set pieces.

Safonov sustained a fractured left hand when PSG beat Flamengo to win the Intercontinental Cup following a penalty shoot out in December, when Safonov made four straight saves in the shootout win.

PSG had conceded 10 goals in seven games before Wednesday’s Champions League game with Newcastle.

Both sides were looking to finish in the top eight of the league table and qualify directly for the last 16. ___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press