Champions LeagueJune 8, 2026
Orlov explained how Safonov forced Arsenal player Eze to miss the penalty
Gennadiy Orlov explained how Matvey Safonov psychologically outsmarted Eberechi Eze during the penalty shootout in the Champions League final.

Renowned football commentator and journalist Gennadiy Orlov explained how Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov caused Arsenal player Eberechi Eze to miss a penalty in the shootout. On May 30, the Parisian club defeated the Gunners on penalties and secured the Champions League title for the second time in a row.
"When a defender goes for the ball in a penalty shootout, I always say, 'That scares me.'
PSG's goalkeeping coach, like our coaches, certainly keeps a file of all the opponent's penalty takers. On the first shot, Safonov jumped to where he probably expected a shot, and Djokeresh shot into the other corner. But on the second ball, Matwei did it right!
When taking a penalty, many attackers look the goalkeeper in the eye until the end. And Safonov won this eye duel - he looked at him and unsettled him. Psychologically he outsmarted his opponent. That's why he missed.
When it comes to penalties, a goalkeeper doesn't have to guess. It's an adventure. You have to stay where you are and wait for the right moment. Firstly, the shooter doesn't always hit the exact corner. Remember how Akinfeev stayed in place in 2018 and blocked the shot with his foot. Same story. A goalkeeper should learn these techniques: look into the eyes and not be afraid of that look. I took penalties myself in my youth, I know how it works," said Orlov in a conversation with "Championat" correspondent Oleg Lysenko.
PSG's goalkeeping coach, like our coaches, certainly keeps a file of all the opponent's penalty takers. On the first shot, Safonov jumped to where he probably expected a shot, and Djokeresh shot into the other corner. But on the second ball, Matwei did it right!
When taking a penalty, many attackers look the goalkeeper in the eye until the end. And Safonov won this eye duel - he looked at him and unsettled him. Psychologically he outsmarted his opponent. That's why he missed.
When it comes to penalties, a goalkeeper doesn't have to guess. It's an adventure. You have to stay where you are and wait for the right moment. Firstly, the shooter doesn't always hit the exact corner. Remember how Akinfeev stayed in place in 2018 and blocked the shot with his foot. Same story. A goalkeeper should learn these techniques: look into the eyes and not be afraid of that look. I took penalties myself in my youth, I know how it works," said Orlov in a conversation with "Championat" correspondent Oleg Lysenko.
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