PSG Survive Penalty Drama to Edge Flamengo in Cup Thriller
Puntos Clave
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo 1-1 (2-1 on penalties) in Intercontinental Cup drama
- Kvaratskhelia's 38th-minute opener cancelled out by Jorginho's 62nd-minute penalty for Flamengo
- Matvey Safonov saved three penalties as PSG triumphed in shootout at Ahmad bin Ali
- PSG dominated with 62.5% possession and 23 shots but needed penalties to progress
PARIS, FRANCE — Paris Saint-Germain edged Flamengo 1-1 in a pulsating FIFA Intercontinental Cup encounter that required a penalty shootout to separate the sides, with the French giants prevailing 2-1 on spot-kicks after 120 minutes of enthralling football at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The match saw PSG dominate possession at 62.5% and pepper the Brazilian goal with 23 shots, yet they needed heroics from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in the shootout to secure their passage after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's first-half strike was cancelled out by Jorginho's penalty.
The opening goal arrived in the 38th minute through a moment of clinical finishing from Kvaratskhelia, who prodded home a left-footed effort from the left side of the six-yard box into the centre of the goal. The Georgian winger's close-range finish capped a period of sustained pressure from PSG, who had already begun to assert their dominance. Flamengo's response came midway through the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute, with Jorginho stepping up to convert coolly with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner, sending Safonov the wrong way and levelling the contest at 1-1.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting approaches, with PSG's Marquinhos and Willian Pacho commanding the backline while constantly pushing forward to support attacks. Flamengo's defensive resilience, marshalled by Léo Pereira and Léo Ortiz, proved crucial as they absorbed wave after wave of pressure. In midfield, Vitinha and João Neves orchestrated play for PSG, while Nicolás de la Cruz worked tirelessly for the Brazilians. The match became increasingly physical as it wore on, with the referee brandishing nine cards in a feisty affair that saw tempers flare, including a late yellow for Saúl Ñíguez.
Despite launching 23 shots at goal compared to Flamengo's 11, PSG struggled to find the clinical edge required to put the match to bed. Flamengo's goalkeeper Agustín Rossi delivered a heroic performance, making seven crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. The statistics told the story of PSG's dominance—they won 10 corners and managed nine shots on target—yet Flamengo's stubborn resistance, with only two of their 11 attempts troubling Safonov, demonstrated their counter-attacking threat remained potent throughout.
The turning point arrived deep into extra time when the match headed to penalties. Safonov emerged as the unlikely hero, saving spot-kicks from Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, and Léo Pereira, while also benefiting from Ousmane Dembélé's miss that struck the crossbar. Vitinha and Nuno Mendes converted for PSG, with Mendes drilling his penalty to the top left corner to seal victory after Nicolás de la Cruz had opened the scoring for Flamengo in the shootout. The final moments saw Luiz Araújo's penalty saved, sparking wild celebrations from the PSG contingent.