PSG Beats Flamengo as Controversial Intercontinental Format Sparks Debate
Let me break down what’s been happening around the PSG vs Flamengo clash, because this story goes far beyond the final scoreline. What unfolded in Doha during the Intercontinental Cup ended with Paris Saint-Germain lifting the trophy, but the conversation since then has been dominated by frustration, criticism, and questions about fairness in the competition’s format.
Before the final even kicked off, the tone was already tense. Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, made his dissatisfaction very clear while attending FIFA’s The Best awards in Qatar. In his view, the competition was set up in a way that placed South American champions at a clear disadvantage. While PSG entered the tournament and played just one match to reach the final, Flamengo had already been pushed through two intense games, adding to a punishing calendar that was already close to 80 matches for the year.
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According to Bap, this imbalance stripped the competition of its legitimacy. He openly said it felt “absolutely unfair” and went as far as claiming it could hardly be called a tournament at all. His point was simple: one team arrives fresh, the other arrives exhausted. In football, that difference can decide everything.
Despite the criticism, the final itself was fiercely contested. Flamengo matched PSG step for step, showing resilience, tactical discipline, and moments of genuine dominance. However, the match went to penalties after a tight battle, and that’s where the story turned heartbreaking for the Brazilian side. Flamengo missed four spot-kicks, while PSG’s goalkeeper Safonov emerged as the unlikely hero, making crucial saves that ultimately secured the title for the French champions.
After the match, the emotional weight was evident. Flamengo players spoke about fatigue, cramps, and the fine margins that separate glory from disappointment. Even so, there was pride in how the team stood toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s most powerful squads. It was widely acknowledged that PSG had suffered, even in victory.
Bap, for his part, tried to strike a balance between frustration and hope. While he reiterated his criticism of the format, he also welcomed the fact that the issue is now being openly discussed. Adjustments for future editions, possibly as early as 2026, were said to be necessary, regardless of which clubs qualify.
In the end, PSG will be remembered as champions, but this final may be remembered even more for what it exposed. The debate over fairness, scheduling, and respect between continents has been reignited, and it’s clear that the conversation is far from over.
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