On March 8, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced Rennes in the 25th round of Ligue 1, securing a decisive 4-1 victory, largely thanks to the performance of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
Safonov was instrumental during the match, playing the entire 90 minutes and making two saves, which helped limit the opposition to just one goal. This match marked his 12th appearance this season for PSG, with his statistics reflecting impressive defensive capabilities across the course of the campaign. He has recorded six matches without conceding any goals, admitting he has let seven slip by him this season.
After the game, Safonov shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his contentment with another victory. “I played another match today. Another victory. I would like to keep clean sheets, of course, but it doesn’t always happen as we wish. I enjoyed the game. I feel like I should provide more calmness to the team,” he noted.
For Safonov, who transferred from FC Krasnodar to PSG last summer for €20 million, this season has been significant not only for his performance but also for his growth as he adapts to the demands of playing at such a prestigious club.
Despite the 4-1 scoreline, which suggests dominance, Safonov commented on the challenges presented by Rennes. “There was pressure from the opponent; Rennes played aggressively, pressing well, but I enjoyed the game,” he reflected.
Looking at the match statistics, PSG outperformed Rennes significantly, accumulating 65 points from their 25 games this season, which places them firmly at the top of the Ligue 1 table. Meanwhile, Rennes sits at 11th with 29 points, showcasing the gap between the two squads. This comfortable lead affirms PSG's status as the dominant team within the league.
While there was much to celebrate, the match was also noted by analysts for its mix of high intensity and tactical battles, leaving fans intrigued about PSG’s continuing evolution under pressure. State-of-the-art performances by players like Safonov are certainly pivotal as they strive for both domestic and international honors.
Matvey Safonov's performance has not only been recognized by PSG fans but has also garnered mixed reviews from critics. His rating from the notable sports analytics site SofaScore was 6.9 out of 10, which was seen as below expectations, especially since this placed him among the lowest-rated players from PSG’s starting lineup for this match. Regardless of the rating, Safonov has managed to understand the demands of his position more clearly, noting he’s learning to grasp the team dynamics and what is expected of him as the season progresses.
“I noticed more nuances during the game, and even though there are areas where I can improve, I understand much more now what is required of me,” he stated, highlighting his growing confidence and knowledge of the game.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Safonov noted his previous encounters with Rennes during his time at Krasnodar, emphasizing the significance of each match's emotional and competitive nature. He concluded with, “By the way, I played against Rennes for FC Krasnodar back in 2020, and I only realized this after the match.” This reflects his connection to both his past and present career, symbolizing the continual growth he aims to achieve.
Wrapping up the narrative after the match, PSG's path forward looks promising as they solidify their position at the top of Ligue 1. With Safonov improving with every match, the fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team as they strive to reclaim their status as champions.