Long considered a random, almost cruel lottery, penalty shootouts now seem to have become a genuine weapon for Paris Saint-Germain. Over the past year, the capital club has been racking up successes in this highly specific exercise, to the point of turning it into a recognized specialty on both the national and international stage. Between collective composure and decisive performances from its goalkeepers, PSG has transformed the lottery into an almost exact science.
PSG, ruthless in penalty shootouts
The numbers speak for themselves. Since last season, PSG has won an impressive series of decisive matches through penalty shootouts. In the 2024/25 Champions League, the Parisians eliminated Liverpool in the Round of 16 after a flawless shootout. A few months later, they lifted the Super Cup against Tottenham, then the Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, before defeating Olympique de Marseille in the Trophée des Champions… all via penalty shootouts.
So many titles and victories secured through this often-feared final phase, which PSG now seems to approach with almost unsettling confidence. While others may tremble, Paris advances calmly, likely boosted by the mental and tactical preparation provided by coach Luis Enrique.
Parisian goalkeepers decisive in the shootout
While PSG’s success relies on a solid collective, it is above all explained by the excellence of its goalkeepers. Last season, Gianluigi Donnarumma had already made a mark in the Champions League, making several crucial saves, notably against Liverpool.
This year, PSG can even boast two recognized specialists: Matvey Safonov and Lucas Chevalier.
Safonov, who arrived last year, is playing more this season following the departure of Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. The Russian keeper impresses with exceptional consistency. On Matchday 20 of Ligue 1, he saved another penalty against Strasbourg, bringing his streak to five consecutive penalties stopped. A rare performance that makes Safonov one of the best European goalkeepers in this discipline this season. Speaking to Ligue 1+, Luis Enrique said:
Lucas Chevalier is no less impressive. The hero of the Super Cup victory over Tottenham, he displayed remarkable confidence at these key moments. After the match, he told Ligue 1+:
“I knew that if it went to penalties, I was going to stop them. I was too determined today to help the team and win this trophy.”
A statement that perfectly illustrates the Parisian mindset.
"Je savais que si on allait aux TAB j'allais les sortir, j'étais trop déterminé aujourd'hui pour faire gagner l'équipe" 💬
— L1+ (@ligue1plus) January 8, 2026
𝐿𝑒 𝑀𝑉𝑃 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 😎 pic.twitter.com/eJFV3wGclQ
A major asset for the current season?
With Chevalier and Safonov, PSG has a rare luxury this season: two goalkeepers capable of turning a match in a penalty shootout. A precious advantage for a European champion that is sometimes less dominant in open play than last year, but still formidable when everything hangs in the balance.
At PSG, penalty shootouts are no longer a fatality. They have become a strength.
