Safonov the hero as PSG clinch Intercontinental Cup

Doha: Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov stole the spotlight as Paris Saint Germain lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, edging past CR Flamengo 2...

Doha: Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov stole the spotlight as Paris Saint-Germain lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, edging past CR Flamengo 2-1 in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in a thrilling final on Wednesday.

Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese midfielder #17 Vitinha is congratulated by Paris Saint Germain's president Nasser al-Khelaifi after winning the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and CR Flamengo at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan on the outskirts of Doha on December 17, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

Tensions ran high at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, packed with over 42,000 spectators, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG ahead in the 38th minute. 

Flamengo responded in the 62nd when Jorginho converted a penalty after Marquinhos was adjudged at fault for bringing down Giorgian De Arrascaeta, taking the title clash to a shootout following a stalemate at full time.

The penalty drama saw early successful strikes from Nicolas De La Cruz for Flamengo and Vitinha for PSG. Safonov then denied Saul, while Ousmane Dembele – who came off the bench in the 78th minute – scooped his penalty over the bar.