Key Takeaways:
- Paris Saint-Germain claimed their sixth trophy of 2025 after overcoming Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final via penalties
- The match ended 1:1 in regular time, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgian De Arrascaeta on the scoresheet
- PSG won the penalty shootout 2:1, with both sides missing a combined six spot-kicks
Match Analysis
Paris Saint-Germain concluded their most prolific year ever by clinching the Intercontinental Cup, their sixth major trophy of 2025. Luis Enrique’s side held their nerve in a tense finale, defeating South American champions Flamengo on penalties after a 1:1 draw over 120 minutes. The encounter, marked by defensive intensity and drama, saw PSG edge the shootout 2:1, with both teams faltering from the spot a remarkable six times in total.
🏆 CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5t7IckPkDJ
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) December 17, 2025
PSG established an early foothold, crafting their first clear-cut chance inside five minutes, only for Neves to fire into the side-netting from Vitinha’s cross. The French champions thought they had taken the lead after 10 minutes, courtesy of Fabian Ruiz capitalising on a goalkeeping error from Rossi, but the goal was cancelled after the ball was adjudged to have gone out of play.
Flamengo responded with a lively spell and created a threatening moment, but PSG’s goalkeeper Safonov remained untroubled. The South Americans then managed to steady the rhythm, restraining PSG’s attacking initiative while maintaining their own composure on the ball. Midway through the opening half, PSG were forced into an early substitution as Kang-In Lee suffered an injury, prompting Senny Mayulu’s introduction.
Key Moments and Goals
Despite a resolute Flamengo defence, the breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Doue threaded a clever pass to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who benefitted from another errant intervention by Rossi to slot home into an unguarded net. Flamengo pushed to restore parity before the interval but failed to create noteworthy opportunities.
The second half grew cagey, with PSG holding a measure of control but finding clear-cut chances hard to come by. On the hour mark, the match pivoted dramatically when De Arrascaeta fell in PSG’s box after a challenge from Marquinhos. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Jorginho converted decisively in the 62nd minute.
Spurred by the equaliser, PSG increased their attacking urgency, but Flamengo marshaled their defence astutely. Luis Enrique introduced Bradley Barcola and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé in pursuit of a breakthrough. Flamengo, meanwhile, threatened on the counter, with substitute Pedro nearly snatching a late winner. PSG had one final opportunity as Dembélé’s stoppage-time shot was blocked by Marquinhos inside the box.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout
The stalemate endured through extra time, with PSG largely on top but unable to capitalise. Substitutes N’Diaye and Araújo both squandered promising chances, and Dembélé twice came close, including one surging run that ended with the ball blazing over the bar. Barcola forced a deflection, but Rossi survived unscathed as the ball trickled past the post.
Penalty drama ensued, with both sides displaying nerves. Flamengo’s De la Cruz converted the opening effort, but the Brazilians then missed four in succession. For PSG, Vitinha found the net with their first, Dembélé blasted over, Nuno Mendes scored, and Barcola missed the decisive chance before PSG ultimately prevailed 2:1.
| Team | Score | Scorers | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 1 | Kvaratskhelia (38) | 2 |
| Flamengo | 1 | Jorginho (62-pen) | 1 |
Paris Saint-Germain’s Exceptional Trophy Haul in 2025
With this Intercontinental Cup triumph, Paris Saint-Germain have capped an extraordinary season in which they secured the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Super Cup, and French Super Cup. Their only defeat in a major final came in the FIFA Club World Cup. Luis Enrique’s men have now celebrated an unprecedented six trophies for the calendar year, cementing their status as Europe’s dominant force.
