When Paris Saint-Germain edged past Racing Club de Lens on Wednesday evening, much of the credit belonged to goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The Russian international delivered a standout performance, making eight crucial saves to secure the victory. Instead of taking individual praise, Safonov was quick to acknowledge his teammates’ role in the triumph.
Returning to the starting lineup after Renato Marin had featured in the previous two Ligue 1 matches, Safonov proved instrumental. His eight saves, combined with a post deflecting a Lens shot, kept his team in the game. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye sealed a 0-2 win, confirming PSG’s fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title and their 14th overall. Speaking to reporters after the match, Safonov shared his thoughts in fluent French, reflecting on the team’s success.
«No magic formula, just teamwork»
«It’s hard to single out one standout match for me this season,» Safonov admitted. «What matters most is that we won today. The rest is just an added bonus. I don’t like choosing just one game—I think the entire squad deserves credit for an outstanding Ligue 1 campaign. But our journey isn’t over yet. We still have until May 30th, and we’re staying fully focused. The road hasn’t been easy, but we know that well.»
Addressing his role in the win, he continued, «As for the secret to my success? There isn’t one. Today, my saves came down to luck—my opponents didn’t place the ball where I couldn’t reach. I believe it was their lack of precision that gave me a slight edge, and I made the most of it.»
