PSG edge past Brest as Matvey Safonov inspires first Ligue 1 win

PSG secured their first Ligue 1 victory of the season by beating Brest 1-0, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov making several important saves to preserve the champions’ narrow advantage.

The fourth-round match took place in Brest on 13 September, with PSG arriving 14th in the table after three games. They had conceded more goals than they had scored, but Luis Enrique’s side were determined to end that difficult start with a first league win.

The PSG manager selected an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The combination produced an early breakthrough in the fifth minute.

Joao Neves began the move by winning possession in midfield before finding Ferran Torres. The Spain forward then played the ball on to Dembele, who used an inventive backheel to return it into Torres’ path. Torres curled a superb shot from distance into the corner, giving the visiting side the lead.

PSG soon had an opportunity to double their advantage. Dembele’s effort was parried by Selvik directly into Kvaratskhelia’s path, but the Georgia international could not find the target from close range.

Kvaratskhelia went close again midway through the first half. After collecting a rebound inside the penalty area, he created space and aimed for the top corner, only for Selvik to make the save.

The visitors’ attacking threat gradually faded, however, and Brest began to benefit from mistakes in possession after the interval.

Ten minutes into the second half, Nuno Mendes rolled a weak pass towards Willian Pacho. Camory Doumbia intercepted it and raced through on goal. He appeared to have beaten Safonov, but his shot struck the post.

Doumbia then threatened again after Brest worked the ball in from the left. The forward found himself with a chance from near the penalty spot, but Safonov reacted sharply to keep out the effort.

PSG continued to concede openings. Warren Zaire-Emery lost possession under pressure from Mboup, allowing Pathe to deliver a dangerous cross. Pacho almost turned the ball into his own net while attempting to reach it ahead of Ludovic Ajorque.

Brest came closest to an equaliser in the 88th minute. Ajorque laid the ball off for Mboup, who was left unmarked and struck towards the bottom corner. Safonov produced another excellent dive to deny him.

Those saves ensured PSG held on for a hard-fought victory and left Brest with no reward for their late pressure. The result was the champions’ first win of the new Ligue 1 season.