It was a strong choice on the part of Luis Enrique. Promoted to the starting position against Rennes (5-0) two weeks ago following an injury to Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov had begun to plant a seed, that of doubt, in the mind of his coach. Showing a pretty face during this meeting, he would then have continuity against Bilbao (0-0) and FC Metz (3-2). Solid matches which contrasted with the irregularity of his competitor Lucas Chevalier over the first months of competition. This Wednesday in the final of the Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, Lucas Chevalier was expected to start, but it was Matvey Safonov who started. The former FK Krasnodar goalkeeper gave back to his coach the confidence that had given him during a victory against Flamengo (1-1, 2-1 on penalties) where he achieved the feat of stopping four opposing attempts.
A performance from the goalkeeper which ignited his teammates who supported him as heroes, but also the Parisian supporters. On the Russian side, it’s a day of celebration and the starting goalkeeper of the selection is praised to the skies. “I am happy to see these wonderful moments in his life when Matvey proves everything with his work. There are different periods, but the incredible emotions I feel on the days when he creates something unique simply overwhelm me. I cried so much today, and I feel like I have more gray hairs. Fortunately they don’t see each other. Another trophy, another important victory, another night where everyone who watches football knows: this guy has done something no one has ever done before.his wife Marina Kondratyuk confided on her channel Telegram.
Russian observers and journalists rave about Safonov
First coach of Matvey Safonov who made him a starter during Euro 2020, Stanislav Cherchesov was totally stunned by his colt’s performance during the penalty shootout with Championship : “to achieve such a performance during a penalty shootout, to stop four in a row, it’s exceptional. That says a lot. Congratulations to Matvey.» Former Russian coach Sergey Tashuev leaned on the competition with Lucas Chevalier in an interview for SovSport : “it’s very simple. The driving force of any athlete is competition, which we must strive to win. Matvey does everything right. Luis Enrique closely followed Safonov’s work in training. The opportunity presented itself and he took it. Hat ! You have to continue to work hard and prove to everyone that you are better than your opponent. There is no room for sentimentality here: individuality is paramount.»
Image generation in progress
His former club FK Krasnodar hallucinated him on his social networks: “is this even legal? Matvey Safonov saved four consecutive penalties and won the Intercontinental Cup with PSG. Congratulations to our player from the training center for his sixth trophy with the French club. Motya is a formidable player!» The Russian press is also rave about its player. So, Championship highlighted the statistical side of his performance: “Safonov is exceptional! He gave PSG the trophy by stopping four penalties!» Their colleagues from Sport-Express were in the same tone: “an exceptional match for Safonov! He stopped four penalties and gave PSG the Intercontinental Cup.” For Sport24it even went a little further: “the greatest Russian in history! Safonov accomplished a miracle at PSG today, he is celebrated.»
