Paris Saint-Germain captured the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup by defeating Flamengo in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. In the decisive shootout, backup goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero for the Parisian side, saving four consecutive penalties to secure the trophy.
In a heated contest, PSG opened the scoring when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalized on a rebound off goalkeeper Agustín Rossi to score in the 38th minute. Flamengo responded after a foul in the box on Giorgian de Arrascaeta, with former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho calmly converting the equalizer from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.
With neither team able to find a winner, the match went to extra time and was ultimately decided by penalties. Nicolás De la Cruz converted Flamengo’s first attempt, while Vitinha answered for PSG. That set the stage for Safonov, the understudy to Lucas Chevalier, to become the unexpected star of the night.
Saúl Ñíguez stepped up next but saw his effort denied by Safonov. Ousmane Dembélé then missed for PSG, briefly keeping Flamengo alive, but the Russian goalkeeper rose again to stop Pedro’s attempt and swing momentum back in PSG’s favor.
After Nuno Mendes put PSG ahead 2-1, Léo Pereira tried to beat Safonov by shooting down the middle, but the keeper stood his ground for another save. Bradley Barcola then missed after a strong stop by Rossi, giving Flamengo hope, but when Luiz Araújo took the fifth penalty, Safonov sealed a historic performance with his fourth straight save, crowning PSG Intercontinental Cup champions.
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