Paris Saint-Germain lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday night after edging past Brazil’s Flamengo 2-1 on penalties following a dramatic final in Qatar.
The match, played at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, ended 1-1 after extra time before PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero in the shootout, making a series of decisive saves to secure the trophy for the French champions.
The victory caps a remarkable year for PSG, who add another international title to their growing collection of silverware.
Fast start and first-half breakthrough
PSG dominated possession early in the contest and thought they had taken the lead inside 10 minutes when Fabian Ruiz finished neatly, but the goal was overturned after a VAR review ruled the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute. A flowing PSG move down the right ended with Desire Doue delivering a low cross into the box, where Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished calmly at the back post to put the European champions ahead.
Flamengo struggled to contain PSG’s movement in midfield, with Vitinha and Joao Neves controlling the tempo, but the Brazilian side remained dangerous on the counter.
Flamengo respond after the break
Flamengo improved in the second half and were rewarded just after the hour mark. Giorgian de Arrascaeta went down in the penalty area following contact with Marquinhos, and after a VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty.
Jorginho stepped up and converted confidently in the 62nd minute, sending PSG goalkeeper Safonov the wrong way to bring Flamengo level.
The equaliser lifted the Brazilian fans inside the stadium and shifted momentum, with Flamengo creating several late chances through Pedro and Luiz Araujo. PSG also pushed for a winner, but clear openings were limited as the match moved into extra time.
Extra time drama but no winner
Both sides showed signs of fatigue during the 30 minutes of extra time. PSG introduced fresh legs, including Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, while Flamengo relied on counterattacks to try to steal the match.
Despite a few half-chances at both ends, neither team managed to find a decisive goal, sending the final to a penalty shootout.
Safonov the shootout hero
Flamengo took the first penalty and converted, but the shootout quickly swung in PSG’s favour as Safonov saved multiple spot-kicks.
PSG scored twice from the spot, while Flamengo missed four penalties, with Safonov making three saves and watching another effort fly wide. Luiz Araujo’s miss proved decisive, sparking celebrations among PSG players and supporters.
Captain Marquinhos lifted the trophy as fireworks lit up the Qatar sky, confirming PSG as FIFA Intercontinental Cup champions.
Another milestone year for PSG
The win underlines PSG’s dominance on the global stage this season, adding the Intercontinental Cup to their domestic and continental success. It also reinforces the club’s growing reputation as a major force beyond European competition.
Flamengo, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities after pushing the European champions all the way but falling short at the final hurdle.
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