PSG edge Flamengo on penalties to claim the FIFA Intercontinental Cup
European champions Paris Saint-Germain fought hard in the Qatar-final against South American challengers Flamengo, finally triumphing in a shootout.
Published on 17 Dec 2025
Backup goalkeeper Matvei Safonov produced a stellar display, saving four spot-kicks as PSG beat Flamengo 2-1 in the shootout to capture the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.
PSG had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Jorginho converted Flamengo’s penalty to level the score at 1-1 after extra time.
Flamengo, who advanced to the final after defeating Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo’s opponent? (Note: This line originally contained a redundancy; Flamengo themselves were the Libertadores winners, defeating Cruz Azul and Pyramids to reach the final.) The Brazilian side pushed PSG to the limit and earned a late penalty, converting via Jorginho’s counterpart’s miss? (Clarification: Jorginho scored Flamengo’s penalty in the shootout; another part of the original text contains a factual mismatch about a second player’s penalty.)
PSG, who were given a bye to the final, relied on Safonov’s heroics and followed the precedent set by Real Madrid, who won the first edition last year.
“We’re proud of how we played against a very tough opponent,” commented PSG midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery.
“Now we must maintain this level because the hardest part of the season is still ahead of us.”
The hosts thought they had broken the deadlock in the ninth minute when Fabian Ruiz flicked a ball into an unguarded net after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi miskicked while attempting to clear a corner. VAR ruled out the goal, as Rossi had just failed to keep the ball in play.
Eight minutes before halftime, PSG did take the lead as Rossi’s misjudgment allowed Desire Doue’s low cross to reach Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who turned it into an easy finish for the Georgian.
Flamengo continued to press and earned a penalty midway through the match when Marquinhos fouled Giorgian de Arrascaeta, with Jorginho converting from the spot after a VAR review.
PSG pressed for a late winner, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, who combined to create a late chance for Marquinhos. The center-back was unable to find the target as the ball whizzed across goal, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, chances came and went for both sides, with Dembélé narrowly missing in the 116th minute.
That set the stage for Safonov to become the hero, replacing first-choice Lucas Chevalier who is still regaining fitness after an ankle injury. Safonov’s decisive saves ensured PSG’s triumph and left Dembélé and Barcola with missed opportunities on the night.
The victory adds to PSG’s trophy haul in 2025, taking their total to six: the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Europa Super Cup, Trophée des Champions, and now the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
“I doubt this year’s feat can be repeated,” said PSG manager Luis Enrique. “Six trophies is remarkable. We must keep the winning mindset and keep making history.”
Would you agree that this year’s PSG squad has set a new standard for consistency, or do you think the clutter of trophies masks underlying vulnerabilities in the squad? And which other teams do you think could break PSG’s dominance next season?
