The PSG secured a commanding win against RC Lens this past Wednesday evening, and much of the credit goes to Matvey Safonov, whose stellar performance included eight crucial saves. The Russian goalkeeper made his presence felt after Renato Marin had started in goal for the last two Ligue 1 matches.
Returning to the starting lineup, the international keeper delivered a masterclass, making eight key stops against Lens. On one occasion, his post even came to his rescue. Combined with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye (final score 0-2), Safonov’s heroics ensured PSG clinched their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title—their 14th league championship in club history.
Safonov’s humility shines through
Speaking to the media after the match, Matvey Safonov reflected on his standout display in fluent French. When asked about his best match of the season, he remained modest, emphasizing the team’s collective success over individual accolades.
“I don’t really know which match was my best this season,” he admitted. “For me, the most important thing is that we won today. Everything else is just a bonus. I don’t like picking just one game. I believe every player in our team has contributed to this fantastic Ligue 1 campaign.”
He continued, “Our journey isn’t over yet. The season concludes on May 30, and we’ll stay focused until then. It’s not an easy path, but we’re well aware of that.”
No magic formula—just hard work
When pressed on the secret behind his success, Safonov kept it simple: “There is no secret.” He attributed his strong performance to a mix of preparation and a bit of luck.
“Today, my saves came because the opponents didn’t shoot where I couldn’t reach. I think in some ways, they gave me a little help. And I made the most of it.”