Getting high: how Safonov leads PSG to titles

It looks like Matvey Safonov has really become PSG's main goalkeeper. The Russian started for the Parisians for the second time in a row after recovering from injury — this time against Strasbourg in the 20th round of Ligue 1. The goalkeeper helped Luis Enrique's team to win an important victory (2:1), and influenced the result in the most direct way. Following the match, Matvey was recognized as the best player of the Parisians.

The first number

Last week gave a clear answer to the question of Safonov's status at PSG. As soon as the Russian recovered from a broken arm, which caused him to miss a month and a half, Luis Enrique immediately identified him in the starting lineup. Moreover, for the most important duel in January — against Newcastle in the last round of the general stage of the Champions League.

The Parisians drew 1-1 and dropped back to 11th place in the table - they will make their way to the playoffs through the joints. But it wasn't Matvey's fault: despite conceding a goal, he made several saves and generally acted confidently.

After the match, the goalkeeper admitted that he was happy to return to the base.

— It was a great feeling, because our team has a special feature — no one knows who will play before the match, — Matvey said in an interview with Okko Sport. — When my last name was mentioned, it was pleasant. I understand that I'm on the right track now. I just need to take advantage of the chance I'm being given. Finally.

The PSG head coach declined to comment on the situation with the goalkeepers. And he confirmed his long-standing position: no one has any guarantees.

"I can say that I am glad to have three such goalkeepers at my disposal," said the PSG coach after the draw with Newcastle. — I like the competition in every position. This is modern football. There is always something to change, I am open to change. I repeat, I am glad that I have three goalkeepers of this level.

Although the coach really did not make promises, Safonov was back in the starting line—up for the match against Strasbourg, which confirmed that now he can safely be called the first number of the French grandee.

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Another rescue

Although PSG is the undisputed hegemon of French football, an easy stroll in Strasbourg was not expected. The local team is fighting for the European Cup, scoring well and snapping dangerously, feeling good under pressure. Parisians experienced this for themselves in October, when the team of Liam Rosenor, who already coaches Chelsea, drew 3 at the Parc des Princes.:3. By the way, Safonov's rival Luc Chevalier was standing in the goal of the hosts.

The current game showed all the strengths of Strasbourg well. Most of the time, the hosts defended, but each of their attacks carried a threat and reached the goal. Because of this, Safonov had to enter the game twice in the first 15 minutes - they regularly broke through the Parisian defense into his possession.

But Matvey passed the real test of strength in the 17th minute, when Marquinhos scored a penalty by playing with his hand in the penalty area. Striker Joaquin Panichelli, the chief specialist of Strasbourg for eleven—yard shots, went to execute the shot. The Argentine has powerful statistics — he has not missed for his current club yet, and in his career he has not hit from the "point" only once.

However, it was unlikely that Safonov could be scared — he himself is an expert in deflecting penalties. In December, the Russian thundered around the world when, in the post-match series in the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, he dragged in four shots and brought his team the trophy.

This time, Matvey didn't let him down either — he hit Panichelli in the jump so that Strasbourg didn't even have a chance to finish. And in the very next attack, PSG took the lead: Senni Mayulu took advantage of a mistake in the defense of the hosts, shooting the goal from close range.

But the Paris defenders were also not happy with their reliability. In the 27th minute, they missed Ben Chilwell's pass to Gela Douai, who was left one-on—one with Safonov and equalized the score without any problems.

After Strasbourg's return goal, the game gradually calmed down and faded by halftime. The same scenario continued in the second half — PSG pressed, the hosts snapped, and both ran out of strength. The Parisians moved slowly, and the marriage in the broadcasts and the unsuccessful strokes became permanent.

Henrique tried to revive the game with substitutions — he released Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang In instead of Mayulu and Bradley Barkol. In general, it worked: the guests stirred up, increased the pressure, but did not bring the matter to a goal.

In the 75th minute, the PSG defenders again decided to complicate their task - for some reason, Ashraf Hakimi flew into the opponent with a straight foot, for which he was sent off. Most of the game immediately motivated the tired Strasbourg to launch new attacks.

However, for the guests, everything went easier than expected. Gary O'Neill's team got too carried away and missed a counterattack in the 81st minute - Warren Zair—Emery executed a smart cross from the flank to Nuno Mendes. He stayed in the penalty area with no cover at all and easily scored with his head.

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Khaikin's record, Safonov's reliability and Golovin's stability

PSG spent the rest of the time until the final whistle on the defensive, as the hosts tried furiously to recoup. It was difficult, but Enrique's team held out and held on to win. Surprisingly, Safonov hardly entered the game at the finish line — the defense tried to interrupt the attacks even on the approaches. Despite this, the Russian goalkeeper became the best player of the match (receiving an award after the game and joining the symbolic team of the tour) — absolutely fair, given his saves in the first half.

—Matvey is the best at anticipating a player's shot,— Luis Enrique said. — He helps us out a lot in critical moments.

Matvey has kicked five of the seven penalties this season, the most in the top 5 leagues.

"Safonov is now number one in his team, without a doubt," Jean—Philippe Leclair, deputy editor-in-chief of L'Equipe, told Izvestia. — And he will remain number one as long as he plays the same way. But any mistake will make Chevalier an option for Enrique again. Of course, the Chevalier is unhappy right now. He is considered the most promising young French goalkeeper, the number one in the future. He didn't come to PSG to sit on the bench. Players who say they don't care how they play and that the most important thing is the team are lying!

PSG, thanks to the victory, reached the clean first place in the Ligue 1 table, scoring 48 points after 20 rounds. The second-placed Lance is two points behind.