Safonov Competes for Starting Goalkeeper Position at PSG

After a six-month wait, a single save changed everything. Matvey Safonov returned to the field for the first time since May 24, delivering two key saves that forced French specialists to reconsider the situation at PSG's goalkeeping position.

While Luka Chevalier watched from the stands, losing his spot, the Russian goalkeeper played as if he'd spent the past months training alongside Buffon rather than sitting on the bench. In the 28th minute, with the score at 0-0, Esteban Lepoll sent a long-range strike, deflecting via Pacho into the near corner.

However, Safonov achieved the impossible, saving the shot. In the next attack, Kvaratskhelia scored a goal.

As a result, the score changed from 0-1 to 1-0. The statistics speak clearly: 20 matches with 22 goals conceded and a 69.2% save rate in Ligue 1, but an unimpressive 46.7% save rate in the Champions League.

After conceding three goals against Tottenham, PSG fans flooded social media with a single message: "Bring back Safonov." However, coach Luis Enrique continued to start Chevalier.

But an ankle injury sustained in a match against Monaco settled the matter. During the summer transfer window, 40 million euros were spent on Chevalier.

While initially seen as an investment for the future, he is now viewed as a current predicament, especially with a backup keeper who saved 87.5% of shots in two Champions League matches last season waiting in reserve.

Following a 5-0 victory over Rennes, Enrique faced questions in a press conference about Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi's absence from the squad and Safonov's return to the starting lineup. His response was sharp: "Unbelievable!

Every time you ask questions, you create problems. Zabarnyi is ill.

He’s been sick for two days—that’s it," the coach said. Safonov’s former coach Vitaly Kafanov calmly assessed the situation: "Safonov played as though he hadn’t had a long break without match practice.

There was no sign of nervousness or lack of confidence. Now, he has a strong chance of securing his spot in the starting lineup."

Safonov’s first coach, Aleksey Chistyakov, added: "Everyone advised him to join another club on loan, but he firmly refused. It’s clear that he felt capable of competing with Chevalier."

On December 10, PSG will face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, followed by an away match against Metz in Ligue 1 on December 13. Two crucial games in just four days.

Should Enrique decide to reinstate Chevalier after Safonov's outstanding performance, the decision would be met with confusion among fans. Meanwhile, Safonov remained composed, writing on his Telegram channel: "When I think back to last night’s match, I realize I never doubted myself.

I felt confident. Before the game, I reminded myself that, after waiting six months, worrying was pointless."

The wait won’t last long—Tuesday will reveal whether Enrique has made a definitive decision. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!