The key facts
- Safonov saved Fermin Lopez's one-on-one at the end of the first half
- Doue opened the scoring in the 38th minute after Yamal's passing error
- VAR did not send off Lopez for the incident involving a strike to Pacho's head
Safonov's save proved key in the first half
Russian goalkeeper of Paris Saint-Germain Matvey Safonov prevented Barcelona from scoring in the first half of the Champions League match, saving a dangerous one-on-one from Fermin Lopez. Thanks to this, the Catalans went into the break without a goal for the first time this season, while the Parisians kept their advantage — 1:0.
The Lopez incident and the VAR decision
The key moment occurred at the end of the first half. Lopez tried to chip Safonov, but the goalkeeper managed to save the shot. The Spaniard attempted to follow up on the rebound, but struck PSG defender Willian Pacho on the head. After a VAR review, the referee did not send off the Barcelona player.
Doue's goal after Yamal's mistake
By that point, PSG were already ahead. In the 38th minute, Desire Doue capitalized on a passing error by Lamine Yamal and sent the ball past Joan Garcia into the net. The Parisians held on to their lead until the break.
Recognition of Safonov's performance
Former Russia national team player Demenko said that Safonov's performance is a source of pride. Earlier, the goalkeeper was named man of the match in PSG's game against Strasbourg in the French championship: he made seven saves and took part in an attack that ended with the Parisians' third goal. His performance was also singled out on the official website of the French club.
