Golden Hands: Matvei Safonov delivers stunning display against Lens as PSG clinch Ligue 1 title
PSG‘s Matvei Safonov kept a heroic clean sheet as Les Parisiens are declared Ligue 1 champions for the fifth consecutive time.
Speaking to the press after the match (via Foot Mercato), Luis Enrique praised the Russian goalkeeper’s performance, which nullified a resolute Lens attack throughout. He said: “He [Safonov] was incredible. Lens deserved a better result. That’s footballโฆ I remember the French Cup match against Paris FC. We had to defend longer than usual. But if you want to win trophies, you have to dominate both attack and defence. The team showed the mentality needed to win.”
The hosts produced one of their stellar attacking displays against PSG, but Safonov stood strong before his goal to singlehandedly frustrate the Bollaert crowd. The 27-year-old was replaced in goal by youngster Renato Marin in the victory over Brest in their previous outing, and he returned to the starting line-up with a massive goalkeeping showing.
A heroic display from Safonov, capped off by eight crucial saves, helped PSG mathematically secure the French top flight. However, the trophy presentation is set to be delayed since Paris FC have declined LFP’s request to stage Paris Saint-Germain’s title celebrations at Stade Jean-Bouin on the final matchday of the season, which is also the date for the Le Derby Parisien.
The Russian made a considerable case for himself to become PSG’s number one in between the sticks, surpassing Lucas Chevalier and Marin. His eight-save haul means that only Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 10 saves versus Marseille on March 31, 2024, and Keylor Navas’ nine against Rennes in 2021 are better records in a Ligue 1 match for PSG goalkeepers under QSI ownership.
