Illia Zabarnyi plays alongside Matveï Safonov for first time as PSG visit Athletic Bilbao in Champions League

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·11 December 2025

Illia Zabarnyi plays alongside Matveï Safonov for first time as PSG visit Athletic Bilbao in Champions League

Illia Zabarnyi played alongside Russian team-mate Matveï Safonov for the first time as PSG visited Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday.

According to L'Équipe, the Ukraine international entered at the start of the second half, replacing Marquinhos, who suffered an ankle issue.

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Safonov started in goal. Their early exchanges drew attention against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The debate had intensified over the weekend when Zabarnyi missed the 5-0 home win against Rennes, which coincided with Safonov’s first appearance of the season in place of Lucas Chevalier, who had an ankle problem.

Luis Enrique said Zabarnyi was ill, and the club added that the pair have a professional and respectful relationship.

Source: L'Équipe