Matvey Safonov Shines in PSG's Coupe de France Victory
In a thrilling encounter at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium, Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during their Coupe de France match against RC Lens. The Russian goalkeeper, who was signed from Krasnodar for €20 million, made a significant impact by saving two penalties, securing PSG's place in the last 16 of the tournament. His performance was crucial, especially after a challenging start to the match, where he faced pressure and made some early mistakes.
Safonov's standout moment came during the penalty shootout, where he showcased his skills by stopping attempts from M'bala Nzola and Andy Diouf. His teammates celebrated his achievement, recognizing the importance of his saves in what could have been a disappointing exit for the reigning champions. "I had never seen him on penalties and today he saves two, so he helps the team," said Warren Zaïre-Emery, highlighting Safonov's pivotal role in the match.
Despite a shaky beginning, Safonov's confidence grew as the game progressed. He admitted that the absence of VAR in the early rounds of the competition played to his advantage, allowing him to focus on his game without the added pressure of video review. "It was a difficult match, we were lucky sometimes," he noted, reflecting on the overall performance of the team.
PSG's Mixed Performance and Lens' Missed Opportunities
While Safonov's heroics stole the spotlight, PSG's overall performance was lackluster. The team, despite being the reigning Coupe de France champions, struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Lens side. Gonçalo Ramos, who came off the bench, managed to equalize for PSG, but the team's offensive display was often uninspired, with players like Ousmane Dembélé failing to make an impact.
On the other hand, RC Lens had their chances but were unable to capitalize on them. The home side's failure to convert opportunities, particularly in the second half, proved costly. Key moments included a missed penalty by Nzola and a crucial mistake by defender Kevin Danso, which allowed Ramos to score. Lens' goalkeeper, Hervé Koffi, also faced criticism for his inability to stop any penalties during the shootout, contrasting sharply with Safonov's performance.
As PSG moves forward in the competition, the spotlight will remain on Safonov, who has shown he is ready to compete for the starting position against Gianluigi Donnarumma. His performance in Lens could mark a turning point in his career at PSG, as he continues to adapt to the demands of playing at a higher level.
