Brajan Gruda's lucky ball secures Leipzig's first Champions League win since 2025

While RB Leipzig, after a disastrous opening phase in the Champions League, still doubted its home strength, the attacking midfielder Brajan Gruda celebrated a long‑awaited victory after his goal of the day against PSV Eindhoven. The 75th‑minute strike gave the team its first success in the Champions League after 629 days, since the 2‑1 win over Sporting Lisbon in January 2025.

First Chance and VAR Controversy

In the final phase of the match, the Saxons allowed numerous chances, until a deflected ball unexpectedly found the net. Earlier, the Scottish referee Nicholas Walsh had awarded a penalty after a VAR check, but withdrew it after consultation. The VAR intervention caused a stir because Baku was allegedly struck on the outstretched arm during the aerial duel with Ruben van Bommel.

Manager Decisions and Game Flow

Manager Martín Demichelis, who after the 6‑0 win over Frankfurt only brought on Gruda following a recovered abdominal muscle injury, set the team out with vigor in front of 43,187 spectators. Goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt made an early save, while PSV keeper Matěj Kovář denied a shot in the fourth minute. Despite both sides' lack of efficiency in converting chances, the game remained tense until Gruda's strike decided the 1‑0 outcome.

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International Ridle Baku praised Gruda and emphasized his great potential: “He has a lot, a lot of potential, the boy,” he added with a wink, calling the win “deserved”. His words reflect the hope that Leipzig regains its form.

The 37‑year‑old Ivan Perišić, formerly active for Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Bayern, played a key role by clearing the deflected ball from Gruda’s shot, making it impossible for Kovář to save and thus enabling the goal. PSV manager Peter Bosz had expected a spectacular duel, but the only goal remained Leipzig’s.

After the match the score remained tight: PSV briefly celebrated an equaliser, but Obispo’s goal in the 82nd minute was disallowed for off‑side. Thus the 1‑0 result stood and marked Leipzig’s first Champions League win in over a year.