01.06.2026 15:00
It emerged that PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov analyzed notes on the opposing penalty takers' habits, placed inside his towel before the shootout, as PSG eliminated Arsenal on penalties in the Champions League final. The notes contained detailed information on the players' penalty tendencies, and the footage became one of the most talked-about details of the final.
An interesting detail emerged after the night PSG reached the cup by defeating Arsenal on penalties in the Champions League final. Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was seen looking at notes hidden inside his towel before the penalties, containing information about the opposing players.
PREPARATION BEFORE PENALTIES DREW ATTENTION
The UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal went to penalties after regular time and extra time. The French team eliminated their opponent in the penalty shootout to win the cup, while goalkeeper Matvey Safonov's preparation became a topic of discussion.
NOTES WERE INSIDE HIS TOWEL
Before the penalty shootout, Safonov was seen looking at a piece of paper placed inside his towel. The notes were observed to contain detailed analyses of Arsenal's penalty takers.
SPECIAL NOTES FOR GYÖKERES AND SAKA
It was claimed that the notes the goalkeeper examined contained the following statements for some players: Gyökeres: "Runs fast, does not look at the goalkeeper, shoots hard." Saka: "90% success rate, comes calm and slow, waits for the goalkeeper and shoots to the opposite corner."
It was assessed that these analyses of the opposing players' penalty habits were prepared by the PSG technical team before the match.
MODERN FOOTBALL'S NEW WEAPON
It is known that in recent years, many top-level goalkeepers use notes containing the preferences of opposing players before penalty shootouts. The importance of such analyses increases even more in high-pressure matches like the Champions League final.
DETAILS MADE A DIFFERENCE ON THE ROAD TO THE CUP
After PSG's victory over Arsenal on penalties, the notes used by Safonov also caught the attention of football fans. The images that emerged after the final showed that the French team left no detail to chance on their way to the cup.