December 18, (THEWILL) — Paris Saint-Germain claimed their first global trophy after defeating Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar.
Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, deputising for Lucas Chevalier, stopped four of five spot-kicks to clinch victory for the European champions.
The match began controversially when Fabian Ruiz had a goal disallowed after 10 minutes.
The Spanish midfielder finished with the outside of his left boot after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi was caught out of position, but VAR determined the ball had crossed the byline before Rossi cleared it.
PSG broke through in the 38th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia converted after Rossi could only weakly parry Desire Doue’s cross.
Flamengo drew level just before the hour mark through a penalty awarded following VAR intervention.
Marquinhos was judged to have fouled Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Jorginho converted from the spot, sending Safonov the wrong way.
Luis Enrique introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele in pursuit of a winner, but Marquinhos failed to convert the winger’s delivery late on.
The match went to extra time, where Dembele and Nuno Mendes both came close to scoring. Neither side could find a winner, forcing a penalty shootout.
Dembele blazed wildly over the bar from PSG’s second attempt, whilst Bradley Barcola also had his effort saved by Rossi.
Safonov proved the difference in the shootout, denying Saul, Pedro, Leo Pereira and Luiz Araujo.
Only one Flamengo player managed to beat the Russian keeper, ensuring PSG captured the title after finishing as Club World Cup runners-up in July.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
