In France, there are growing calls to erect a monument to Matvey Safonov in Paris. The Russian goalkeeper delivered one of the most talked-about performances of his career during PSG’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, fans, European media, and former football stars are praising him not just as a temporary replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma, but as a key figure who has completely changed his status with the club.
The match was tense and grueling for the Parisians, as Bayern applied relentless pressure throughout, firing off numerous shots and pressing aggressively. Safonov was forced into constant action, ultimately helping PSG secure a spot in the Champions League final and emerging as one of the night’s heroes.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted to TNT Sports that he initially saw the goalkeeper position as a potential weakness for PSG. “PSG have very few weak spots. I thought their goalkeeper could be an opportunity for Bayern, but he played magnificently. Parisians were phenomenal. So Arsenal will have to be flawless to succeed,” Gerrard said. He also noted that PSG would be favorites in the final against Arsenal, as Luis Enrique’s team now looks nearly complete across all lines.
French outlet Footmercato highlighted how composed Safonov remained under constant pressure from Bayern’s attacking line. Journalists recalled that he had conceded four goals in the first leg, making the second leg a chance to silence critics once and for all. They particularly praised his saves against shots from Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz.
