PSG win Intercontinental Cup
Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov was the undisputed hero for PSG, producing a stunning performance in the penalty shootout by saving four consecutive spot-kicks to seal the victory.
KATHMANDU: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) claimed the Intercontinental Cup title after defeating Brazil’s Flamengo 2–1 on penalties in a tense final, securing their sixth trophy of the year.
Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov was the undisputed hero for PSG, producing a stunning performance in the penalty shootout by saving four consecutive spot-kicks to seal the victory.
Champions League winners PSG followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid, who lifted the inaugural edition of the tournament last year.
Under the competition format, continental champions compete for the title, with the UEFA Champions League winner advancing directly to the final.
PSG took the lead in the 38th minute when Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished a low cross from Désiré Doué.
Flamengo responded in the 62nd minute, as Jorginho converted a penalty after a foul by Marquinhos, bringing the match level.
Neither side managed to find a winner during regulation time or the 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
Despite applying late pressure—especially after Ousmane Dembélé was introduced in the final 12 minutes—PSG were unable to beat Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi in open play.
The shootout, however, belonged entirely to Safonov. The PSG keeper denied penalties from Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, Léo Pereira, and Luiz Araújo, while Vitinha and Nuno Mendes calmly converted their attempts to give PSG a 2–1 shootout win over the Copa Libertadores champions.
PSG had rotated their squad following a 3–2 Ligue 1 win over Metz on Saturday, yet still fielded a strong lineup. Dembélé, recently crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player, did not start the match.
