Matvey Safonov and PSG: One Step from the Champions League Final in Munich
Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov could become the second Russian representative in the Champions League final if PSG holds off Bayern Munich today. The match in Munich will be a serious test for the Parisians against the backdrop of unstable defensive play in the first leg (5:4).
Main Event
Today, May 6, Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is one step away from becoming only the second Russian in history to play in a UEFA Champions League final—the most prestigious club tournament in Europe. Together with Paris Saint-Germain, he has traveled to Munich for the return leg of the semifinal against Bayern Munich, which kicks off at 22:00 Moscow time at the Allianz Arena. The first leg in Paris ended in a wild goal fest with a 5:4 scoreline in favor of the hosts, and now the Parisians need to defend their narrow lead to reach the final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest and get a chance to defend their title.
Details and Statistics
The first match on April 28 was a true highlight of the tournament. Nine goals scored in a semifinal—this stage of the Champions League had never seen such a tally in its entire history. Matvey Safonov, guarding PSG's goal, conceded four goals—twice in the first half (from a penalty by Harry Kane and after a powerful strike by Michael Olise) and twice in the second (from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz). The outcome was decided by braces from Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the Parisians.
However, the overall assessment of the Russian goalkeeper's performance was far from critical. Former Russian national team midfielder Alexander Samedov told Gazeta.Ru that Safonov "cannot be blamed for any of the goals," emphasizing that the goalkeeper made important saves. A similar view was expressed by former national team goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin: "By and large, almost all shots were unsavable, and where there was a chance to help out, Matvey managed." In total, Safonov made three saves in that match, repeatedly came off his line riskily, and displayed enviable composure under immense pressure.
The decision by PSG's coaching staff to start Safonov was also influenced by a lack of alternatives. Second goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is out for several weeks due to a thigh injury sustained in training. Additionally, the team lost right-back Achraf Hakimi, who has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season. To give Safonov rest and avoid even the slightest risk of injury, coach Luis Enrique did not include him in the squad for the last Ligue 1 match against Lorient (2:2), giving 19-year-old Renato Marin a chance to debut. Safonov, meanwhile, had time to fully recover after suffering cramps at the end of the Paris semifinal due to the extreme intensity of the game.
Context and Significance
The match in Munich holds enormous significance for Safonov not only in the context of the tournament but also in his personal career. This season, he has played 23 matches for PSG in all competitions, conceding 24 goals, but keeping clean sheets in 11 games. He became an indispensable starter after Gianluigi Donnarumma's departure and a hero for the fans—his phenomenal penalty shootout performance in the Intercontinental Cup final (where he played with a hand injury and saved four penalties) brought the Parisians their first such trophy in history and was recognized at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Notably, the official Telegram channel of the Russian national team posted a message of support for the goalkeeper on match day: "Battle day for the Champions League final for Safonov! Let's wish Matvey good luck!" And PSG fans on foreign social media are leaving hundreds of encouraging comments: "May his goal in Munich become Stalingrad!"
For Paris Saint-Germain itself, this game is another step toward cementing their status as Europe's strongest club. Luis Enrique stated that he does not intend to play for a draw: "I asked my assistants how many goals we need to score, and we settled on three. This stadium is associated with great joy for us—we won our first Champions League there" (in the 2025 final, they thrashed Inter 5:0). The opposite view is held by Bayern legend Thomas Müller, who is confident that the Germans will win by at least one or two goals.
What's Next / Preview of the Return Leg
Bayern Munich vs. PSG, May 6, Allianz Arena, 22:00 Moscow time. This clash is a classic duel between attacking power (both teams have nearly 100 goals combined in the current Champions League campaign) and defensive issues (in the first leg, defenders and goalkeepers allowed nine goals between them). For Safonov, this is a chance to become the first Russian goalkeeper to play in a Champions League final for a foreign club. The winner of this tie will face London's Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest, and for PSG, this would be a unique opportunity to defend the trophy they won a year earlier.
— Editorial Team
