Doha: Back-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero as Paris Saint-Germain clinched the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Brazil’s Flamengo 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a hard-fought 1-1 draw following extra time in Qatar on Wednesday.

PSG followed Real Madrid, winners of the inaugural edition last year, in lifting the Intercontinental Cup.

Safonov saved four spot-kicks in the shoot-out, sealing the trophy for the European champions after goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Jorginho left the final level at the end of 120 minutes.

PSG, who entered the final directly, struck first through Kvaratskhelia late in the first half, while Flamengo equalised on the hour mark through a Jorginho penalty following a VAR-reviewed foul by Marquinhos on Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo, who had beaten Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids en route to the final, matched PSG throughout with a disciplined and resilient performance, pushing Luis Enrique’s side to the limit.

PSG were briefly denied an early lead when Fabian Ruiz finished into an empty net after a miskick by Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi, only for VAR to rule the goal out after it was determined the ball had narrowly gone out of play.

However, the breakthrough arrived eight minutes before the interval when Rossi inadvertently turned Desire Doue’s low cross straight into the path of Kvaratskhelia, who tapped in from close range.

Flamengo stayed competitive and drew level after Marquinhos was penalised for a challenge inside the box, allowing Jorginho to calmly convert from the spot.

Despite late pressure from PSG, including chances involving Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Marquinhos, the match moved into extra time, where opportunities remained scarce.

Dembele came closest in the 116th minute with a narrowly missed effort, before the contest was settled from the penalty spot.

Safonov, deputising for first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, delivered a decisive performance in the shoot-out, saving four penalties to secure the title.