PSG win FIFA Intercontinental Cup after penalty shootout victory over Flamengo
Paris Saint-Germain made history by becoming the first French club to lift a global club trophy after defeating Flamengo on penalties at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The final ended 1–1 after extra time, before PSG held their nerve in the shootout to claim the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, denying the Brazilian side a fifth trophy of 2025.
Still hurting from their loss in the FIFA Club World Cup final, the European champions started with clear intent and urgency. João Neves came close early on after connecting with a Vitinha free kick, while Lee Kang in tested Agustín Rossi with a direct effort after cutting inside from the flank.
PSG thought they had taken an early lead when Rossi’s attempt to deal with a corner resulted in the ball falling to Fabián Ruiz, who finished into an empty net. However, VAR ruled that the goalkeeper had not conceded a corner, and the goal was chalked off.
Flamengo gradually settled into the contest and began to show the form that had carried them through a seven match unbeaten run. Erick Pulgar produced their best opening chance with a powerful effort through a crowded box, though Matvei Safonov was well positioned to save.
The first half grew increasingly physical, with both teams picking up yellow cards. PSG suffered a setback when Lee was forced off injured after 35 minutes, but his replacement Senny Mayulu made an immediate impact. Three minutes later, Mayulu helped initiate a flowing move that ended with Désiré Doué delivering a low cross from the right, which Khvicha Kvaratskhelia calmly turned in to give PSG the lead.
Luis Enrique’s side looked to extend their advantage early in the second half, and Neves tested Rossi again with a firm long range strike. Despite their control, PSG failed to put the game beyond reach.
Flamengo were handed a way back into the match just after the hour mark when VAR ruled that Marquinhos had fouled Giorgian de Arrascaeta in the penalty area. Jorginho stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to bring the Copa Libertadores champions level.
The equaliser sparked sustained pressure from PSG, who pinned Flamengo back for long spells. Rossi was rarely troubled until the final stages, when he comfortably saved a late effort from Doué.
Both managers turned to their benches in search of a winner, with PSG introducing Ousmane Dembélé. Flamengo nearly stole the game in the closing minutes, but crucial blocks denied Pedro and Léo Pereira.
In the final moments of normal time, Marquinhos missed a golden opportunity to redeem himself, failing to convert Dembélé’s low cross and sending the match into extra time.
Extra time saw chances at both ends. Marquinhos headed straight at Rossi, while Neves struck a clean half volley from a corner that was also kept out. After the break, Luiz Araújo and Dembélé both wasted promising openings, and Bradley Barcola saw his effort deflected wide, setting up a dramatic penalty shootout.
The shootout began with two successful kicks before Safonov took control, saving attempts from Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, Léo Pereira, and Luiz Araújo. Nuno Mendes was the only PSG player to score among their final three penalties, but it proved enough as the French side edged the shootout 2–1.
The victory marked PSG’s 50th win across all competitions in 2025 and secured their sixth trophy of the calendar year. For Flamengo, the defeat meant their famous 1981 triumph over Liverpool remains their only global club title.
