Luis Enrique’s PSG did it again. On Thursday night against Marseille, Paris won their fifth consecutive penalty shootout, lifting yet another trophy — just as they had previously against Tottenham and Flamengo. PSG’s shooters were flawless, and Lucas Chevalier delivered when it mattered most, once again helped by the now-famous “magic towel”prepared by the club’s goalkeeping staff.
Five shootouts, five victories
The streak will end one day… but not yet. Against OM in Kuwait, PSG extended an extraordinary run that began in December 2024 at Lens (Coupe de France), with Matvey Safonov in goal.
It continued:
- Liverpool (Champions League, Anfield) — with Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Tottenham (European Super Cup) — with Lucas Chevalier
- Flamengo (Intercontinental Cup final) — four saves from Safonov
- Marseille (Trophée des Champions) — Chevalier decisive once more
Five shootouts. Five wins. Different goalkeepers. Same result.
PSG perfect from the spot, Chevalier decisive
In Kuwait, PSG converted all four penalties through Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Désiré Doué, even if Vitinha and Mendes were close to being denied by Gerónimo Rulli.
During the match, Chevalier had already been beaten by Mason Greenwood from the spot, but in the shootout he responded superbly — saving the first two Marseille penalties (O’Riley and Traoré), both struck to his left. Only Amir Murillo managed to beat him.
The now-famous red towel
As in previous shootouts, goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez spoke with Chevalier beforehand, handing him the famous red towel containing detailed information on Marseille’s penalty takers — a prop that has gone viral since Safonov’s heroics against Flamengo.
“Instinct and preparation — it works”
Speaking in the mixed zone, Chevalier confirmed the towel played its part, while stressing that decision-making remains crucial:
“Did I have the little towel with the shooters? Yes, of course. PSG have been very good at penalties since Liverpool last year, I think — they’ve won everything.
There’s real work done with the staff so that we, the goalkeepers, are in the best possible conditions. But in the end, we are the ones who make the decision. Players can change their minds too. Still, it seems to be working. Instinct and preparation — it works.”
Luis Enrique praises his goalkeepers and Borja Álvarez
Unsurprisingly, the topic came up immediately in Luis Enrique’s post-match press conference:
“Some people say it’s luck — maybe there is some luck. But today, all goalkeeping coaches and staff have information on opposition penalty takers.
We also have excellent players to take penalties, and top-level goalkeepers like Safonov and Lucas Chevalier. That combination is fantastic for us.”
Speaking to Ligue 1+, the PSG coach made sure to single out his specialist:
“Everyone talks about luck, and there is a part of luck. But all teams work on this. We have Borjita (Borja Álvarez), who is phenomenal. He gives the goalkeeper the information.
I’m very happy for Lucas, for Motya (Safonov), and for all our goalkeepers — every time this situation comes up, they perform at a very high level.”