Matvey Safonov stepped onto the pitch for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on March 8, 2025, ready to prove himself following Gianluigi Donnarumma's disappointing performance against Liverpool. The match against Rennes was pivotal, and Safonov's contribution played a significant role in PSG's convincing 4-1 victory.
After Donnarumma's unsteady play, PSG's coach Luis Enrique decided to give the 25-year-old goalkeeper Safonov the chance to shine. Although he couldn't secure the clean sheet, conceding just one goal, Safonov's overall performance won praise from numerous fans and analysts.
Public sentiment among PSG supporters seems to be shifting favorably toward Safonov. Comments from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) reflected a growing confidence. One fan noted, "Safonov looks more reliable than Donnarumma," showcasing how his calm demeanor under pressure has earned him respect. Another supporter added, "Safonov plays calmly and maintains composure, which was pleasant to watch." Such feedback is particularly significant, considering the high expectations surrounding PSG's goalkeeping position.
Statistics from the game revealed Safonov's solid performance. Le Parisien gave him a rating of 6.0, reporting, "It is tough to blame the Russian goalkeeper for the missed goal. He performed his job with overall confidence." Meanwhile, 90 min France awarded him a 5.0 rating, emphasizing his calmness during the second half, even when his team faced challenges.
Paris Fans were particularly generous, giving Safonov a 7.0 rating and highlighting his reliability during key moments. This trend reflected the newfound faith fans have developed. "Right now, Safonov looks more convincing than Donnarumma, especially with his footwork, which could be massively helpful against Liverpool," commented one user.
Footmercato also rated Safonov 6.0. They praised his first half as largely unchallenging due to PSG's dominant play but emphasized his contributions after conceding the goal. "He made some decisive saves, keeping his team on track," they noted, underlining his growing influence within the squad.
Remarkably, this match against Rennes marked Safonov’s seventh appearance for PSG this season. He has conceded only five goals overall, with expectations rising as the season reaches its climax. Following his transition from Krasnodar to PSG last June for 20 million euros, Safonov's valuation has already climbed to 22 million euros, reinforcing the club's belief in his potential.
Reflecting on his performance, Safonov noted on his Telegram channel, "Rennes played aggressively, even though they rarely attacked. I must provide more calm to the team, and I understand my role much more effectively now." This insight not only displays his commitment but also hints at his adaptability to PSG's tactical demands.
Prior to this match, fans had been vocal about wanting to see Safonov take the field against Liverpool once more, particularly as they witnessed his undeniable growth. "Let’s see Safonov play on Tuesday against Liverpool; he has instilled more confidence in me than Donnarumma has all season," wrote one enthusiastic supporter.
The match itself was also pivotal for reinforcing the PSG’s championship aspirations. Having built a solid 16-point lead over second-placed Marseille, the victory was integral, especially with just nine rounds left in the season.
With the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 approaching, the creeping anticipation of Safonov’s selection looms large. PSG’s clear directive is to advance confidently, and fans are voicing their hopes for Safonov to continue standing guard between the posts.
Completing the day with six matches without conceding (in 12 matches overall), Safonov’s performances are becoming increasingly pivotal for PSG’s ambitions and aspirations.
Despite the challenges on the horizon, Safonov’s calm presence and performance adaptability may offer PSG the edge they need both domestically and on the European stage. With each match, he reinforces the sentiment within the club and among the fans: he is not just filling Donnarumma's shoes; he’s showing he has the quality and poise to redefine the role of goalkeeper for PSG moving forward.