RB Leipzig found the late breakthrough that denied PSV Eindhoven what had appeared to be the first goalless draw of this Champions League campaign, with Brajan Gruda’s deflected strike earning a 1-0 home victory and delivering the German side their first three points.
Gruda breaks the deadlock in a frantic contest
For long stretches, the match was shaped by two outstanding goalkeepers. PSV’s Kovar reacted sharply to keep out Christopher Nkunku’s close-range volley, while Leipzig’s Belgian goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt stretched to turn away a low, angled effort from Guus Mijnans.
PSV had an early chance to seize control after Leipzig handled the ball while attempting to cut out a cross aimed at Ruben van Bommel at the far post. Ivan Perisic took responsibility from the spot, but Vandevoordt read the Croatian’s penalty and saved with his leg.
Neither midfield was able to impose much order on an increasingly open match. Leipzig carried the greater attacking threat before half-time, particularly through the wide play of Gruda and Antonio Nusa, but Kovar continued to keep PSV level.
- Nusa opened the second half with a left-footed attempt that Kovar stopped between his legs.
- Van Bommel drove down the left and pulled the ball back for Mijnans, whose finish lacked precision.
- Vandevoordt then denied Kostic with a firm save.
- Kovar answered at the other end, pushing away an effort from Baku after a skilful backheel by Gruda.
- Sergiño Dest arrived from right-back to test Leipzig, but Kovar made an impressive double save.
The resistance finally gave way with around 15 minutes remaining. A loose ball reached Gruda on the edge of the area and the winger struck with his left foot. The shot took a deflection off a defender, wrong-footing Kovar and sending Leipzig ahead.
PSV pressure falls short after late drama
PSV threw themselves forward after conceding. Yarek, introduced from the bench, headed against the woodwork, and Armando Obispo had the ball in the net only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Leipzig were forced into a deep defensive finish as PSV repeatedly loaded the penalty area with crosses. Castello Lukeba also escaped a possible handball penalty when it was judged that the ball had rebounded before striking his arm.
By the closing stages, the home side were almost permanently pinned inside their own box, but they held on to protect a result that changes the tone of their European week after opening with a heavy defeat to Como.
Changes on both sides
Demichelis made three alterations to the Leipzig side that began that loss to Como. Arthur Vermeeren was replaced in the double pivot as Ezechiel Banzuzi partnered Neil El Aynaoui, Gruda started on the right, and Romulo took the central attacking role ahead of Marc Guiu.
PSV coach Peter Bosz also adjusted his selection, moving Mauro Júnior into midfield and using Mijnans as a false nine. Yarek again began among the substitutes before becoming a significant late presence.
Leipzig’s reward was a first Champions League win and three vital points, while PSV left Germany having missed a penalty, struck the frame of the goal and seen a late equaliser ruled out.
