Bayern/PSG – Safonov’s clearance into touch was deliberate

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·7 May 2026

Bayern/PSG – Safonov’s clearance into touch was deliberate

Matvey Safonov, the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, stood out during Wednesday’s Champions League second-leg semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Thanks to his saves, notably, but also to his many clearances out for throw-ins. It seemed increasingly like a deliberate choice, and that is what Le Parisien confirmed this Thursday.

“the Parisian last line of defense was indeed deliberately clearing the ball out for throw-ins.”

And according to our information, the Parisian last line of defense was indeed deliberately clearing the ball out for throw-ins. As crazy as it may sound, PSG’s Spanish coach deliberately accepted giving up possession at times, just as the Parisians also regularly do from kick-offs.

“Reduce Michael Olise’s influence.”

The objective? Reduce Michael Olise’s influence. After producing a dazzling display last week at the Parc des Princes, the French attacking midfielder had left Nuno Mendes dizzy during the countless one-on-one duels between the two men. To avoid being put under so much pressure again at the Allianz Arena, the PSG boss came up with this tactic to congest the opponent’s right flank, the area occupied by Olise.”

The report from the Paris-based newspaper is easy to believe, since it seems quite clear that PSG had chosen to aim for throw-ins. A top-level goalkeeper does not send the ball out of play that often by chance. There was an intention to avoid aerial duels, where the German team clearly had the advantage, and Bayern’s quick transitions. All of it possibly while trying to overload Olise’s side in order to avoid those one-on-one battles.

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This is the very highest level of preparation and tactics. Those famous “details” that are not really details at all. It is no coincidence that PSG have reached the Champions League final for the second straight time.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.