Matveï Safonov seizes chance as Lucas Chevalier returns, PSG battle could be reignited | OneFootball

Matveï Safonov has bolstered his case in the Paris Saint-Germain goal during Lucas Chevalier’s lay-off, though Luis Enrique still sees Chevalier as number one.

At Metz, a 3-2 win, Chevalier stayed on the bench. Fouled by Monaco’s Lamine Camara on 29 November, he missed Rennes, 5-0, and Athletic Bilbao, 0-0, while Safonov made a third straight start.

According to L'Équipe, after only two pain-free training sessions, persisting with the Russian was the cautious choice.

Safonov has impressed, with two decisive saves against Rennes and assured distribution. A year after his error in the 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich ended his brief duel with Gianluigi Donnarumma, calling it a straight shootout still feels premature.

In recent weeks, despite a mixed start, some inside urged a challenge akin to last season with Donnarumma. Luis Enrique resisted, favouring continuity. He values Chevalier’s tactical appetite and footwork, and Paris see the France international as a long-term choice, identified before Donnarumma joined Manchester City.

Chevalier’s injury forced rotation and Safonov’s form could test those convictions in the coming weeks and early 2026. Internally there is no fixed hierarchy, competition applies to every role and Enrique is content managing three senior goalkeepers.

Renato Marin, 19, plays with the Under-21s and could feature early in the Coupe de France. Paris visit La Beaujoire on Saturday to face Fontenay, N3.

Next clues arrive with Wednesday’s Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo in Al-Rayyan, Qatar, at 18:00. Safonov is watched at home, while Chevalier remains calm and confident.

Source: L'Équipe