An Egyptian journalist accredited for PSG–Flamengo (1–1, 2–1 on penalties) managed to capture rare images of Matvey Safonov’s now-famous red towel during the decisive shootout on Wednesday night. And yes — it really did contain the key details.
Like Gianluigi Donnarumma at Anfield last March, the Russian goalkeeper was meticulously prepared by PSG’s goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez ahead of the shootout. But beyond verbal instructions, Safonov had something else: penalty-taker profiles hidden inside his towel.
As seen in footage first shared by Qatari channel Al Kass, Safonov discreetly checked the towel before each Flamengo attempt. The result? Apart from Nicolás De La Cruz’s opening kick, which wrong-footed him, Safonov saved the next four penalties in a row, sealing PSG’s historic triumph.
What was written on Safonov’s towel?
Journalist Mohamed Elhosary later posted photos on Instagram after filming Safonov from behind during the shootout. The images clearly show individual penalty sheets for Flamengo players, including:
- Player name and shirt number
- Photo
- Nationality
- Strong foot
- Penalty history and tendencies
The list also appears ranked from most experienced penalty-taker (Jorginho) to least experienced (Wallace). Two versions of the sheet were visible: one clean, and another with crossed-out names of players who had been substituted and were no longer eligible to shoot.
During the celebrations, Safonov was even seen asking PSG’s communications staff to retrieve the towel and return it to Luis Enrique’s staff — but not before the Egyptian journalist had already documented the contents of what is now one of the most iconic accessories in PSG history.
From preparation to execution, Safonov’s “magic towel” perfectly summed up PSG’s night in Doha: details, discipline, and a goalkeeper in total control.
