Paris had the result it wanted at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, a 4-2 Champions League league-phase win over Barcelona, but the night again exposed a concern around PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. Both Barcelona goals found the Russian at his near post, reviving a pattern that has followed him through the 2026/27 season.
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PSG’s victory in the third round of the Champions League league phase drew widespread praise, yet Safonov came under sharp scrutiny in France after being beaten twice on the side of the goal he was protecting.
A leading French sports newspaper described him as a “nightmare at the near post”, arguing that opponents have identified a weakness which has become increasingly costly. Safonov has now conceded nine goals at his near post this season, nearly half of the 20 he has allowed in all competitions.
Barcelona first levelled nine minutes after half-time. With PSG already ahead, Xavi Espart arrived in the penalty area and directed his effort between Safonov and the goalkeeper’s left-hand post. Safonov attempted to get a hand to it but could not prevent the ball crossing the line.
The Catalans struck again late in the match after Paris had restored their advantage. Lamine Yamal drove forward from the right and hit a powerful rising shot into the same area, past Safonov at his left post. PSG nevertheless finished strongly enough to secure the 4-2 result.
The two Barcelona strikes added to a list that has stretched across the campaign. Safonov has been beaten at his near post against Mallorca in pre-season, Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, and Rennes, Monaco, Strasbourg and Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1.
The concern had already surfaced at the beginning of September, when Monaco won 2-1 at the Parc des Princes through Idumbo’s goal, another finish directed into Safonov’s near-post area. Barcelona’s late resistance did not change the destination of the points, but it ensured that Paris leave a major European evening with an unresolved question in goal.
