How Many Penalties Has Safonov Saved? PSG Goalkeeper’s Save Percentage Explained

Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to keep making history as they chase a second consecutive Champions League title, a feat achieved only by Real Madrid so far. Their path to another final success hinges on overcoming Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, a well-organized and highly disciplined side that has impressed throughout the campaign. With the teams expected to be closely matched, the goalkeeper situation could become one of the defining factors of the tie.

Matvey Safonov has emerged as a potentially decisive figure for PSG because of his strong record in penalty situations. Across his career, the Russian goalkeeper has faced 41 penalties in matches and saved 10, giving him a success rate of 24.9 percent. That means he has stopped roughly one in every four spot kicks. His ability to perform under pressure has also been shown in shootouts, most notably in the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, when he saved four penalties to help PSG secure the trophy.

For Paris Saint-Germain, Safonov’s penalty-saving numbers stand out even more. Since joining the club, he has faced five penalties and saved one, a rate of 20 percent. Only one of those penalties came in European competition, and it arrived in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich. In that instance, the taker managed to fool the goalkeeper, but the sample size still supports Safonov’s reputation as a reliable option from the spot.

His current role at PSG has also been shaped by the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma. After the Italy international left the club, PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille, a goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in French football. However, Chevalier has not fully convinced Luis Enrique, who appears to have made Safonov his preferred choice for the most important part of the season. The Russian has therefore been trusted in the decisive stages, suggesting the coach values experience and composure over potential at this moment.

That decision could matter greatly against Arsenal, where fine margins may determine the outcome. In matches of this level, a single penalty save can change the course of a semifinal or final. Safonov’s record suggests PSG have a goalkeeper capable of making that difference if the contest reaches a shootout or if a decisive penalty is awarded in regular time.

PSG’s ambitions remain clear: to continue their climb in European football and become only the second club ever to win back-to-back Champions League titles. To do that, they may need Safonov to deliver another big moment when it matters most.