Doha, Dec 18 (V7N) — French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) capped off a dream year in emphatic fashion by winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup for the first time, confirming their status as the best club in the world this season.

PSG began the year by lifting the French Super Cup, before going on to achieve a historic treble—winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. Luis Enrique’s side ended the year with yet another trophy, sealing an unforgettable campaign.

Entering the final as favourites, PSG dominated possession and attacking play from the outset. However, Brazilian champions Flamengo, fresh off victories in the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A, put up a determined fight and refused to back down.

Despite their dominance, PSG struggled to break through until the 38th minute, when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the net to give the Parisians a deserved lead heading into halftime.

Flamengo responded strongly after the break. In the 59th minute, PSG captain Marquinhos committed a foul inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Italian midfielder Jorginho calmly converted to level the score.

With no further goals in regulation or extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.

After both teams converted their opening spot-kicks, PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero. He first denied Saúl Ñíguez, while PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, the club’s Player of the Year, missed his attempt by firing over the bar.

Safonov, however, remained unshaken. At the decisive moment, he produced two consecutive saves, denying Léo Pereira and Luiz Araújo, sealing a dramatic victory for PSG.

Thanks to Safonov’s brilliance between the posts, Luis Enrique’s side lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup for the first time, bringing a fairy-tale season to a perfect conclusion.

END/SMA/AJ