Paris Saint-Germain beat Flamengo on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes to win the Intercontinental Cup.
After neither team could find a winning goal in extra time, the shootout sent PSG into a pattern similar to the Super Cup win over Tottenham earlier this season.
PSG started the match on the right foot and thought they had taken an early lead through Fabian Ruiz, only for VAR to rule out that effort.
The French team continued to press through Kvaratskhelia and Vitinha, forcing Agustin Rossi to make several early saves.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute when Kvaratskhelia finished from close range after Désiré Doué’s shot from a tight angle, giving PSG a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Second half
Flamengo responded with more urgency after the restart and were rewarded just after the hour mark. Giorgian de Arrascaeta was fouled inside the area by Marquinhos and Jorginho converted the resulting penalty.
The equalizer changed momentum, with the Brazilian side progressing in the contest while PSG struggled to reassert much control in open play.
The remainder of regular time was marked by frequent stoppages, fouls and substitutions, disrupting any steady rhythm. Both teams created half-chances, with Dembele, Barcola and Vitinha looking for PSG, while Pedro and Bruno Henrique gave Flamengo a direct exit.
However, neither goalie was seriously tested late in the game, and the game went into overtime with the score level.
Extensions and penalties
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with PSG seeing the ball more and Flamengo defending compactly.
Marquinhos and Joao Neves both forced saves from Rossi, while Safonov remained vigilant at the other end of the pitch.
Despite late pressure and a number of set pieces, neither team could find a second goal, sending the tie to penalties.
The shooting turned dramatic within minutes. Vitinha and Nuno Mendes converted for PSG, while Safonov saved penalties from Pedro, Saul Niguez, Leo Pereira and Luiz Araujo.
Rossi denied Barcola, but missed efforts from Dembele and several Flamengo takers tipped the scales in PSG’s favor.
Nuno Mendes’ successful penalty ultimately proved enough, sealing a narrow shootout victory and ending a hard-fought encounter.
