The FIFA Intercontinental Cup final unfolded with a truly dramatic scenario. The UEFA Champions League victors, PSG, and the South American powerhouse Flamengo faced off at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha.
The scoring opened during regular time. In the 32nd minute, PSG’s standout player of the season, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, delivered a precise strike to put his team ahead. However, in the second half, Flamengo intensified the pressure, and in the 62nd minute, Giorgian De Arrascaeta converted a penalty to restore balance.
Neither regular time nor extra time saw any changes to the scoreline. The decisive moments came during the penalty shootout. Here, PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerged as the true hero. He saved four shots from Flamengo’s players, securing PSG’s first-ever Intercontinental Cup title in their history.
Interestingly, even European stars Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola missed their opportunities during the shootout. However, Safonov's confident performance overshadowed all mistakes and difficulties.
Intercontinental Cup. Final
PSG (France) — Flamengo (Brazil) 1:1
Penalty shootout — 2:1.
Goals: Kvaratskhelia (32) — Giorgian De Arrascaeta (62, penalty).
December 17. Doha. Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
PSG — Safonov, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves, Lee Kang-In (Mayulu 35, Barcola 64), Ruiz (Njantu 105), Kvaratskhelia (Mbaye 90), Ekitike (Dembélé 78).
Flamengo — Rossi, Ortiz, Pereira, Sandro, Varela, Henrique (Araujo 90+2), De Arrascaeta (Everton 74), Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Saul 75), Carrascal (Pedro 56), Plata (Lino 108), Pulgar (De La Cruz 75).
Warnings: Giorgian De Arrascaeta (20), Sandro (24), Ruiz (33), Vitinha (44), Pulgar (64), Pacho (85), Plata (90+5), Saul (96).
Thus, Luis Enrique’s team concluded 2025 on a high note. PSG secured six trophies within a year, marking one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.
The final was not only about the trophy but also a test of character, patience, and mental resilience. Once again, it underscored how crucial small details and the role of goalkeepers can be in major finals.
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