Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Flamengo in one of the most exciting FIFA Intercontinental Cup finals. The tightly contested match, played in Doha, Qatar, was tied 0-0 after 116 minutes of play, yet PSG won 2-1 in penalty kicks. The knockout round contest showed the great talent of goalie Matvey Safonov. He contributed heavily in winning the title for the French club.
Safonov went in for Lucas Chevalier, whose ankle injury still hasn’t fully healed. His performance was spectacular, to put it mildly, as he saved four penalties in the final shootout. You scored one of the best stops of your career against Flamengo’s Luiz Araujo. That momentary penalty had the potential to turn the momentum completely in the Brazilian side’s favor.
Though stretched to the breaking point at times by Flamengo, PSG held firm in defense for the entirety of the match. Sure enough, the Brazilian side won a penalty at the hour mark after Marquinhos was guilty of a reckless challenge. PSG’s defense held firm leading to a nail-biting shoot-out as extra-time was unable to separate the sides.
Paris Saint-Germain were given a bye to the final. More importantly, this chance could free them to focus on their final training leading up to the high-stakes game to come. Led by the acumen of brilliant manager Luis Enrique, the young Spanish team showed their mettle against a tough South American power.
“I think this year is impossible to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain. It’s an unforgettable year.” – Luis Enrique
PSG then put together some strong attacking plays, including impressive shots from both Ousmane Dembele and Barcola. Sadly, both players slotted wide with their penalty kicks in the shootout. Safonov’s heroics ensured that those missed opportunities did not hinder the team’s chances of victory.
Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, one of the key players in the team’s success, said he took personal pride in their accomplishment.
“We can be proud of ourselves, we played a great match against a tough opponent.” – Warren Zaire-Emery
Looking towards the future though, Zaire-Emery realized that the battle is not yet won.
“Now we have to continue like this because the toughest part of the season is still ahead of us.” – Warren Zaire-Emery
