PSG 1 (2)-1 (1) Flamengo: Matvey Safonov inspires PSG to Intercontinental Cup triumph

Paris Saint-Germain is set to take on Brazilian side Flamengo in the second-ever Intercontinental Cup final as they look to add another trophy to their impressive tally since last season. A win could see them lift this trophy for the first time of French football history.

For this game, Luis Enrique has been able to count on every player of his team, bar Achraf Hakimi who is still recovering from his ankle injury. To start the game, the Spaniard made five changes to the side that defeated Metz and opted once again for Matvey Safonov between the posts despite Lucas Chevalier's return. In defence, Marquinhos makes his return to the starting lineup after being rested against Metz. The Brazilian will partner Pacho while Warren Zaire-Emery and Nuno Mendes will occupy the full-back positions.

The midfield trio will be composed by Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz. Meanwhile, Désiré Doué is set to start in the front line next to Kvaratskhelia and Kang-In Lee.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Pacho, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Warren Zaire-Emery; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Doué, Kvaratskhelia, Kang-In Lee.

Flamengo's starting XI: Rossi; Varela, Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho, Carrascal Guado, De Arrascaeta, Plata; Bruno Henrique.

Matvey Safonov heroic in the penalty shootout

The Brazilian side opened the game with a lot of intensity fouling several times early in the contest. Paris' first chance came from one of the resulting free-kick but Joao Neves' half-volley ended just wide of Rossi's right post following Vitinha's cross (4').

Shortly, Fabian Ruiz thought to have opened the scoring with a long range effort, finishing in an empty net after a terrible mistake from Flamengo's goalkeeper. However, goal was overturned after a VAR check as the ball crossed the line resulting in a corner (9').

After a dominant first half, the European Champions opened the score thanks to Kvaratskhelia at the 39th minutes. Désiré Doué delivered a superb low cross in the box for the Georgian who put the ball at the back of the net, despite Rossi's deflection.

15 minutes inside the second half, a foul from Marquinhos in his box gave an unexpected chance to Flamengo to level the game and Jorginho made no mistake from the spot (62'). The Parisians then launch themselves forward, looking to land a decisive blow to their opponents but faced a very solid side. Unfortunately, both teams were unable to make the difference, sending the game into extra time.

Despite 30 more minutes and many opportunities created, Paris failed to score the decisive goal, taking the game to a crucial penalty shootout. Matvey Safonov delivered an extraordinary penalty shootout performance to help PSG to their first Intercontinental Cup trophy. The Russian made four consecutive saves and is undoubtedly the hero of this night.