Safonov makes 4 penalty saves in shootout as PSG beats Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup

By Canadian Press on December 17, 2025.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Matvei Safonov made four straight penalty saves in a shootout to help Paris Saint-Germain beat Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday and win a sixth trophy of 2025.

The goalkeeper was thrown in the air by his teammates after his exploits in the shootout that was won 2-1 by PSG after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

It completed a trophy-laden 12 months for the French team, which had already won the Trophée des Champions, the French league, the French Cup, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup — also on penalties against Tottenham in August.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead in the 38th minute before Marquinhos conceded a penalty converted by Jorginho in the 62nd minute for Flamengo, which was looking to win a second Intercontinental Cup title after 1981.

Flamengo captured the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian championship titles in recent weeks.

It was a first global title for PSG.

___

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

The Associated Press