PSG’s Matveï Safonov faces aerial examination against Arsenal in Champions League final | OneFootball

PSG goalkeeper Matveï Safonov has come to the fore this spring and now faces a searching aerial examination against Arsenal in the Champions League final on Saturday at 18:00.

Arsenal, the champions of England, are among the most dangerous from set pieces. Despite improvements, dead balls remain a weak point for PSG, a collective task in which the keeper’s role is pivotal, according to L'Équipe.

Safonov’s campaign began as understudy to Lucas Chevalier and will end with the 27-year-old as number one. His first major exam came at Bayern in autumn 2024, a 0-1 defeat from a poorly defended corner, which curtailed hopes of challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma under Luis Enrique.

With Donnarumma gone and Chevalier demoted, he saved four penalties in the Coupe intercontinentale and, once installed midwinter, grew in confidence. He is more proactive off his line, often punching, an unorthodox but effective approach. Former PSG keeper Jérôme Alonzo highlights bravery and a dressing room that now trusts him.

The shift was clear against Chelsea in the last 16 and Liverpool in the quarters. Versus Bayern in the semi-finals, aside from reacting late to Dayot Upamecano’s first-leg goal in the 5-4 on 28 April, he commanded his area. Ex-Russia keeper Rouslan Nigmatoulline sees adaptation rather than flaw and notes clear technical progress.

Next comes Arsenal. Alonzo rates David Raya as top tier and argues this could be the night Safonov, up from pot four in August to pot two, steps into pot one.

Source: L'Équipe