Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo on penalties to lift the Intercontinental Cup, sealing their sixth trophy of the year.
The UEFA Champions League holders edged the Brazilian champions following a dramatic shootout, with Safonov saving four consecutive spot-kicks to secure a 2–1 win on penalties after the final finished 1–1 across normal time and extra time at the Ali Stadium in Qatar.
PSG, who entered the competition directly at the final stage as Champions League winners, followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid, winners of the inaugural edition last year.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the French champions the lead in the 38th minute, finishing at the back post from Désiré Doué’s low cross.
Flamengo responded in the 62nd minute when Jorginho converted from the penalty spot after Giorgian de Arrascaeta was fouled by Marquinhos.
Both sides were unable to find a winner during the remainder of regulation time and 30 minutes of extra time, despite PSG finishing strongly after Ousmane Dembélé was introduced from the bench late on.
The match was decided in the shootout, where Russian goalkeeper Safonov produced a remarkable display, denying Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, Léo Pereira and Luiz Araújo in succession.
Successful penalties from Vitinha and Nuno Mendes were enough to hand PSG the title.
Luis Enrique named a strong starting line-up despite resting several key players during the weekend’s 3–2 Ligue 1 win over Metz. Newly crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player Ousmane Dembélé was not included in the starting XI but featured in the closing stages.
Another milestone in a historic year
The Intercontinental Cup triumph marks PSG’s sixth trophy of 2025. After winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Champions League last season, the Paris club have added the Trophée des Champions, the UEFA Super Cup and now the Intercontinental Cup.
The club’s dominance has been further underlined by individual honours, with Dembélé named FIFA Best Men’s Player and Luis Enrique winning the Best Men’s Coach award earlier this week.
PSG return to action on Saturday when they face Vendée Fontenay Foot in the Coupe de France (20:00 GMT).