Paris Saint-Germain’s commanding 2-0 win over RC Lens on Wednesday night owed much to the stellar performance of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The Russian shot-stopper delivered a masterclass, pulling off eight crucial saves to secure all three points for his team.

After watching Renato Marin take the gloves for the previous two Ligue 1 outings, Safonov returned with renewed determination. His heroics, coupled with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye, not only extended the club’s unbeaten streak but also clinched the club’s fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title—its 14th overall. A post-match interview revealed the goalkeeper’s modest take on his standout display.

Safonov attributes success to teamwork and a bit of fortune

Speaking with clarity in fluent French, the goalkeeper dismissed any notion of personal glory, emphasizing the collective effort of his teammates. “I don’t single out one match as my best,” he explained. “What matters most is that we won today. Everything else is just a bonus.”

He went on to praise the squad’s consistency throughout the season, acknowledging the challenging path ahead until the final whistle on May 30. “We’re all focused, knowing the road hasn’t been easy. We understand the stakes.”

When asked about his eight saves, Safonov remained humble. “Success isn’t built on secrets,” he said. “Today, the ball didn’t always land where opponents hoped. I took advantage of those moments, but credit goes to the opponent for not always placing the ball where it was hardest to reach.”