Matvey Safonov, the Russian goalkeeper, started for Paris Saint-Germain in the clash with Toulouse during the twelfth round of Ligue 1. The 25-year-old custodian arrived at the French champions in the off season from Krasnodar for a reported fee of around 20 million euros, and his PSG contract runs through the 2028/29 campaign. Safonov enters the contest as part of a goalkeeping setup intended to provide depth and competition for the starter, and his inclusion in the starting XI reflected PSG’s plan to maintain their position at the top of the table as the season progresses.
PSG lined up with Safonov in goal, flanked by a defensive quartet that included Hakimi, Beraldo, Skriniar, and Zage. In midfield, Neves paired with Zaire-Emery to form the engine room, while the forward line featured Barcola and Asensio either side of Dembélé, with Douai leading the line. The arrangement showcased PSG’s balance between experience and youth, aiming to control tempo and create chances through quick transitional play and precision passing from midfield to attack.
Toulouse named their starting lineup with Rest between the posts, a back line consisting of Cresswell, Mackenzie, Aklag, and Kamanzi. In central midfield, Casseres and Cerro pressed high, while Dennum, Abouhlal, Gbou, and King looked to stretch the field and exploit the spaces behind PSG’s pressing unit. The setup signaled a compact approach from Toulouse, designed to disrupt PSG’s buildup and test Safonov with measured, opportunistic transitions when the ball moved forward.
The match took place at Parc des Princes in Paris, and the kickoff was scheduled to ring out at 23:00 Moscow time, underscoring the international viewership surrounding a fixture between two prominent French clubs. The atmosphere inside the stadium, coupled with the late-night start, added an extra edge as both teams aimed to climb the table and sharpen their form for the stretch of the season ahead.
PSG sat proudly at the summit of Ligue 1 with 29 points, while Toulouse sat in 10th place with 15 points from 11 matches. The gap at the top reflected PSG’s consistency in the early phase of the campaign, though every fixture carried its own test as rivals closed the distance and pressed for momentum. This encounter offered a chance for PSG to reinforce their leadership while Toulouse sought to widen their own away results and pick up valuable points on the road.
Safonov’s transfer to PSG in the off-season came with a 20 million euro price tag and a contract that runs through the 2028/29 season. Before this game, he had appeared for PSG four times during the current campaign — once in the Champions League and three times in Ligue 1 — and he had recorded two clean sheets. His adaptation to life in France and his performances in contact with high-caliber attackers were drawing attention as he settled into a role behind the club’s established number one.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper also earned call-ups to the Russian national team, reflecting his continued recognition at the international level. His time with Krasnodar culminated in a runner-up finish in the Russian Premier League last season, marking a high point in his domestic career and underscoring the potential he brings to PSG as he develops further abroad. Safonov’s emergence in Paris has been watched closely by fans and analysts who track the progression of Russian talents on the European stage.
A former Russian national team goalkeeper commented on Safonov’s displays for PSG, noting that his performances in Paris have shown the kind of growth and steadiness that could boost his standing with the national side. The assessment highlighted how regular exposure to top-tier competition in Ligue 1 and Europe could accelerate Safonov’s development, making him a more complete option for future national-team assignments.