Paris Saint-Germain claimed another penalty shootout victory on Wednesday against Flamengo, securing their sixth trophy of 2025. Outstanding between the posts, Matvey Safonov saved four out of five penalties, helped by meticulous preparation, a famous “magic towel,” and the work of PSG goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez Buedo.
This latest success marks PSG’s fourth penalty shootout win in four attempts under Luis Enrique. After Lens (Coupe de France), Liverpool (Champions League), and Tottenham (UEFA Super Cup), Paris once again prevailed from the spot — this time in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
Perfect record in shootouts for Luis Enrique’s PSG
Once again, PSG proved that penalty shootouts are not a lottery, but a fully prepared technical exercise — for both takers and goalkeepers. Just as seen at Anfield last March, Luis Enrique’s staff thoroughly studies opponents and passes detailed information to the goalkeeper. Against Liverpool, Gianluigi Donnarumma had notes hidden in his towel before facing the Reds’ shooters.
Safonov fully briefed on Flamengo’s penalty takers
Preferred to Lucas Chevalier for the final, Matvey Safonov spent a long time exchanging with goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez Buedo before the shootout. As captured by Qatari channel Al-Kass, the Russian goalkeeper had detailed information on Flamengo’s penalty takers hidden inside his red towel. Safonov consulted it before every attempt — with devastating efficiency — stopping four penalties out of five and delivering yet another trophy to PSG.
Flamengo acknowledge PSG’s preparation
After the match, Luis Enrique admitted his amazement:
“It’s the first time I’ve seen my goalkeeper save four penalties.”
Flamengo head coach Filipe Luís paid tribute to both PSG’s staff and Safonov’s performance, saying:
“Goalkeepers, analysts and coaches study and share information. PSG’s goalkeeper probably studied very well. He paused on Pedro’s penalty, stayed in the middle for Léo’s penalty. It looks like he watched our training session yesterday. That’s really admirable. Congratulations to Paris, who weren’t just champions on penalties. They had a fantastic season and fully deserved it. I prefer to congratulate Paris and their goalkeeper, who saved all those penalties and helped his team become champions.”
