Paris Saint-Germain narrowly defeated Brazil’s Flamengo 2-1 in a penalty shootout to secure the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final held in Qatar.
PSG took the lead with a goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Flamengo equalized through Jorginho’s penalty, resulting in a 1-1 draw after extra time on Wednesday.
Flamengo, the Copa Libertadores champions, had previously overcome Cruz Azul from Mexico and African champions Pyramids to reach the final, putting up a strong fight against the European champions.
PSG, managed by Luis Enrique and who received a bye to the final, relied on goalkeeper Safonov’s performance and followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid, who won the inaugural title last year.
“We can be proud of ourselves; we played a great match against a tough opponent,” said PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery.
“Now, we have to keep this momentum going because the toughest part of the season is still ahead.”
PSG thought they had scored in the ninth minute when Fabian Ruiz skillfully hooked the ball into an empty net after Flamengo’s goalkeeper Agustin Rossi mishandled a clearance while trying to stop a corner.
However, VAR disallowed the goal as Rossi had narrowly failed to keep the ball in play.
PSG finally broke the deadlock eight minutes before halftime due to another mistake by Rossi.
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He inadvertently redirected Desire Doue’s low cross, which seemed too strong for Kvaratskhelia, into the Georgian’s path for an easy tap-in.
Flamengo managed to stay competitive and were awarded a penalty on the hour mark after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Marquinhos on Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Former Chelsea and Arsenal player Jorginho converted the penalty, sending Safonov the wrong way.
PSG pushed for a winning goal, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, who created a last-minute opportunity for Marquinhos.
However, the center-back couldn’t react in time to direct his shot on target as the ball went across the goal, leading to extra time.
Both teams had a few half-chances during the additional 30 minutes, with Dembele narrowly missing the target in the 116th minute.
This set the stage for Safonov—who was filling in for regular starter Lucas Chevalier, still recovering from an ankle injury—to shine, as he saved penalties from both Dembele and Barcola.
With this victory, PSG has now won the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA European Super Cup, Trophée des Champions, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2025.
“I think it’s impossible for Paris Saint-Germain to replicate this year,” said PSG manager Luis Enrique. “Six trophies is quite an achievement.”
