Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding first-half performance against Flamengo in a high-tempo encounter filled with goals, physical battles, and VAR drama. From the opening whistle, PSG asserted control, dominating possession and pinning Flamengo back with quick passing and intelligent movement.
The breakthrough came early when Fabian Ruiz fired a precise first-time strike from outside the box, sending PSG into the lead. Although the goal briefly faced a VAR review over a potential ball-out-of-play incident, it was eventually confirmed, giving the French champions a deserved advantage.
PSG continued to pile on pressure as Kang-In Lee and Vitinha tested Flamengo’s defence with long-range efforts and set-piece threats. Flamengo struggled to contain PSG’s midfield rhythm, resorting to aggressive challenges that resulted in multiple yellow cards.
The highlight of the half arrived in the 38th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a moment of brilliance. The winger latched onto a defence-splitting pass inside the box and calmly finished past the goalkeeper, doubling PSG’s lead and sending their fans into celebration.
Flamengo did create moments of danger, with Erick Pulgar and Giorgian de Arrascaeta both coming close from corners and rebounds, but PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was equal to the task, pulling off a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet.
The first half was also interrupted by injury scares, with Kang-In Lee forced off and both Vitinha and Bruno Henrique receiving medical attention in stoppage time. Despite the disruptions, PSG maintained their composure and control until referee Ismail Elfath brought the half to an end.
As the teams headed into the break, PSG looked firmly in command, combining clinical finishing with disciplined defending, while Flamengo were left searching for answers ahead of the second half.