Safonov stars as PSG sink Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup title

Paris St Germain (PSG) goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in a dramatic shootout to hand the French champions the Intercontinental Cup title after a hard-fought II draw with Flamengo in the final on Wednesday.

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The Russian goalkeeper was a model of composure to deny four Flamengo penalty-takers as PSG secured a 2-1 victory in the shootout at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

It was PSG's sixth title in 2025, with their maiden Intercontinental Cup added to a trophy haul from a golden calendar year that already included Ligue I, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League and the European Super Cup.

Luis Enrique’s team had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first half, only for Jorginho to level for the Brazilian side with a penalty shortly after the hour.

Flamengo, who were gunning for a third major title this year after winning the Brazilian title and the Supercopa do Brazil, proved a tough nut to crack, once again showing the quality of South American football in the wake of the Club World Cup earlier this year.

"We can be proud of ourselves, we played a great match against a tough opponent," said PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery.