Vitaly Kafanov, the goalkeeper coach for the Russian national team, praised Matvey Safonov for delivering a strong display against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The coach offered a concise assessment, noting that Safonov’s performance stood out in a high‑pressure match.
Kafanov’s appraisal was straightforward. He stated that Safonov had a very strong showing against Bayern, a remark that carries weight coming from a trusted coach who works daily with the national team’s shot‑stoppers. Safonov’s presence in goal helped PSG push back pressure during the ties and contributed to a performance that drew attention from observers inside and outside the club.
That match, played on November 27, saw PSG, with Safonov in goal, bow to Bayern. The Russian goalkeeper stopped six shots, underscoring his composure and reflexes as Bayern pressed for chances in open play and from set pieces. The effort highlighted why Safonov remains a focal point for discussions about PSG’s goalkeeper options and the future of Russian players in top‑tier European football.
Looking ahead, PSG were scheduled to travel to Austria for an away game against Salzburg in the next Champions League fixture, while Bayern prepared to visit Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. The contrast in opponents underscored the varied challenges facing both clubs as they navigated the group stage and sought to advance to the knockout rounds. For Safonov, every save and decision from that game fed into a growing impression that he can handle big‑game pressure at the highest level.
In a broader context, the spring of 2022 brought a seismic shift for Russian football. FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia’s national team and all Russian clubs from competitions governed by those bodies, following guidance from the International Olympic Committee. This upheaval meant that Russian players missed the 2022 World Cup playoffs, the World Cup itself, and the 2024 European Championship hosted by Germany. The sanctions reshaped career trajectories for many players and created a prolonged period of uncertainty for clubs and fans alike, influencing how Russian footballers are viewed on the European stage. The consequences reached beyond the field, affecting development paths, transfers, and national‑team aspirations for years to come.
Earlier, a former player had spoken about Safonov’s potential at PSG, offering a perspective that echoed the optimism seen in Kafanov’s praise. That viewpoint reflected a belief that Safonov possesses the technical foundation, mental fortitude, and ambition needed to become a fixture in a major European club environment. With each appearance, Safonov continued to demonstrate the attributes that supporters and analysts associate with a goalkeeper who can perform on the world stage.