PSG Beat Flamengo in a dramatic FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ final, claiming a 2–1 penalty shootout victory after a 1–1 draw at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar. The European champions ended an unforgettable year on a high note, with goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerging as the match-winning hero.
Paris Saint-Germain controlled large spells of the match and took a deserved first-half lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Flamengo showed resilience in the second half and fought back via a Jorginho penalty, forcing extra time and eventually spot-kicks. In the shootout, PSG Beat Flamengo thanks to Safonov’s incredible four consecutive saves.
First Half: PSG Beat Flamengo with Early Control
From the opening whistle, PSG pressed high and created early chances. Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi was busy, and although an early PSG goal was ruled out by VAR, the breakthrough eventually came. In the 38th minute, Kvaratskhelia reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box to give PSG the lead—another key moment as PSG Beat Flamengo through superior attacking movement.
Second Half Response: Flamengo Fight Back
Flamengo adjusted after the break and began exploiting space down PSG’s right flank. Their persistence paid off when a VAR review awarded a penalty following a foul by Marquinhos. Jorginho converted confidently, leveling the score at 1–1 and setting up a tense finish.
Despite late chances—including a close-range miss by Marquinhos and opportunities for substitutes Ousmane Dembélé and Luiz Araújo—the deadlock remained through extra time. The contest was decided in the shootout, where Safonov’s heroics proved decisive. After Flamengo scored their opening kick, the Russian stopper denied the next four to hand PSG the trophy.
Final Score: Paris Saint-Germain 1–1 CR Flamengo (PSG win 2–1 on penalties)
Goals: Kvaratskhelia (38’) — Jorginho (pen, 62’)
Player of the Match: Matvei Safonov (PSG)
In front of a sold-out, PSG-leaning crowd, the Parisians brought the curtain down on a remarkable year in the best possible fashion—by adding the Intercontinental Cup to their growing list of honors.
