Paris St-Germain capped off a remarkable year by winning the Intercontinental Cup after defeating Brazilian champions Flamengo on penalties, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov producing a stunning shootout performance to seal the trophy.

The UEFA Champions League holders prevailed 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw across normal time and extra time at the Ali Stadium in Qatar. Safonov emerged as the hero, saving four consecutive spot-kicks to deliver PSG their sixth trophy of an extraordinary calendar year.

The victory sees PSG follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid, who lifted the inaugural Intercontinental Cup title last year.

Kvaratskhelia Strikes, Jorginho Responds

PSG entered the final directly, having earned a bye as Champions League winners, while Flamengo arrived as Copa Libertadores champions. Luis Enrique named a strong starting XI despite resting several players in Ligue 1 at the weekend, though newly crowned FIFA Best Player Ousmane Dembélé began the match on the bench.

The French champions broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found space at the back post and calmly converted a low cross from Désiré Doué, giving PSG a deserved lead heading into half-time.

Flamengo responded after the break and were handed a route back into the contest just after the hour mark. Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta was fouled by Marquinhos inside the penalty area, and former Chelsea, Arsenal and Napoli midfielder Jorginho stepped up to convert the spot-kick confidently in the 62nd minute.

Extra Time Fails to Separate the Sides

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages of normal time and throughout 30 minutes of extra time, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough. PSG finished the stronger of the two sides after Dembélé was introduced for the final 12 minutes, injecting pace and urgency into the attack.

Despite sustained pressure, Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi produced a series of saves to keep his side level, forcing the final to be decided by penalties.

Safonov the Hero in the Shootout

The shootout turned into a one-man show. Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in a row, denying Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, Léo Pereira and Luiz Araújo. His heroics swung the contest decisively in PSG’s favour.

Vitinha and Nuno Mendes converted their spot-kicks for PSG, ensuring a 2-1 shootout victory and sparking celebrations among the French champions.

Sixth Trophy Crowns Historic Year for PSG

The Intercontinental Cup triumph marks PSG’s sixth piece of silverware in 2025, underlining their dominance both domestically and internationally.

Having already secured Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Champions League last season, Luis Enrique’s side added the Trophée des Champions, the UEFA Super Cup and now the Intercontinental Cup to complete an extraordinary haul.

The club’s success was further reflected in individual honours this week, with Ousmane Dembélé named FIFA Best Men’s Player and Luis Enrique awarded Best Men’s Coach. Six players associated with PSG were also included in the FIFA Team of the Year.

What’s Next for PSG?

PSG’s attention now turns back to domestic competition. They return to action on Saturday when they face Vendée Fontenay Foot in the Coupe de France, as they continue their pursuit of further silverware in an already historic season.