French journalist says Flamengo could be ‘decisive’ in PSG v Arsenal | OneFootball

PSG (FRA) goalkeeper Safonov became the starter after his performance against Flamengo

Flamengo came agonizingly close to winning a second world title last year. More precisely, they were stopped by the hands of Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who saved an incredible four penalties against Mengão. For French journalist Stephane Darmani, that clash in December last year changed the goalkeeper’s life, and he is now one of PSG’s (FRA) hopes in the Champions League final against Arsenal (ENG) this Saturday (30).

— The Flamengo game definitely carried weight (in helping him establish himself), especially because of the penalty saves, which are one of his great strengths. He is a penalty specialist, and that may be his biggest asset in these knockout competitions. But after that match, Chevalier remained the starter — the journalist began.

— Until the end of January. So the season restarted in January with Chevalier in goal, also because he cost 40 million euros. When that happens, you think twice before taking your goalkeeper out, but little by little Safonov showed that he deserved that spot — added the ‘Canal +’ journalist, in contact with GE.

HOW DID FLAMENGO CHANGE SAFONOV’S LIFE?

Shortly before the Club World Cup, Safonov was PSG’s third-choice goalkeeper. In the previous season, Gigi Donnarumma owned the position. However, the Italian did not stay for the Intercontinental, left the club, and Lucas Chevalier took over the role. But on the eve of the match against Flamengo, the Frenchman suffered an ankle injury and was ultimately ruled out.

So the little-known Safonov got his chance, frustrated Flamengo, and became an idol for rival fans by saving penalties from Luiz Araújo, Pedro, Saúl and Léo Pereira. In regular time, Mengão drew 1-1, and the score remained the same after extra time. In the shootout, PSG even missed two kicks, but Mengo were worse.

WHEN IS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL?

With Safonov among the starters, PSG and Arsenal face off at 1:00 p.m. (Brasília time) this Saturday (30), in Budapest, Hungary. Whoever wins secures a spot in the 2026 Intercontinental. If Flamengo win the Libertadores, and Paris lift back-to-back Champions League titles, a rematch could happen in December. As the Nação likes to say: no one gets away owing us…

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