Paris Saint-Germain won the Intercontinental Cup after a thrilling final against Flamengo, decided in a penalty shootout (2-1 on penalties), with a monumental Matvey Safonov.
Dominant for long spells, PSG took the lead through Kvaratskhelia before being pegged back by a Jorginho penalty. Unable to make the difference despite numerous chances and one-sided extra time, Luis Enrique’s side eventually found salvation in the shootout.
Safonov crushed Flamengo’s hopes by saving four penalties, handing PSG another major trophy and confirming a historic season.
PSG player ratings:
Safonov 10: Absolute hero. Four penalties saved, decisive throughout the night, he single-handedly delivered the trophy.
Marquinhos 5: Generally solid but guilty on the conceded penalty. It nearly cost PSG dearly.
Pacho 9: Extremely solid defensively, several crucial interventions. The boss of the night in open play.
Nuno Mendes 5: Very active and dangerous going forward, calmly converted his penalty.
Zaïre-Emery 7: Serious and consistent, without being spectacular.
Vitinha 7: The midfield conductor, technically sound, a perfectly taken penalty.
João Neves 6: Huge work rate and impact in recovery.
Fabian Ruiz 6: Promising before his substitution, frustrating to see his goal ruled out.
Kvaratskhelia 7: Goalscorer, lively throughout, a constant threat.
Doué 4: Good intentions but too soft in the final action. Clearly not at full fitness.
Lee 6: A positive start before his injury.
Substitutes:
Mayulu 6: Solid but unspectacular.
Barcola 6: Added pace and penetration but missed match point.
Dembélé 5.5: Lively cameo but too wasteful, missed his penalty.
Ndjantou 6: Interesting with the few balls he had.
Mbaye: not rated.
A hard-fought title, but another trophy for PSG, carried by a goalkeeper who has written his name into the club’s history.
Related Posts:
