Gruda secures Leipzig's win in Champions League drama against PSV

In the Rhein-Neckar Stadium the air crackles as RB Leipzig host the Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on the second matchday of the Champions League. In the 75th minute Brajan Gruda pounces on the ball after a corner from David Raum and slots it into the left corner, giving Leipzig the lead.

Early pressing and missed penalty chance

Leipzig start pressurised: Already in the fourth minute Ridle Baku fails at the penalty spot because keeper Maarten Vandevoordt saves the shot. Shortly afterwards PSV are awarded a penalty after a handball by Baku and a VAR‑check, but Ivan Perišić cannot convert it – Vandevoordt makes a strong foot save.

Coach Martín Demichelis changes only one position: Brajan Gruda comes into midfield for Andrija Maksimović. On PSV‑side, coached by Peter Bosz, the starting eleven includes three former Bundesliga professionals – Ivan Perišić, Filip Kostić and the Leipzig loanee Lutsharel Geertruida.

Open game until the decision

After the break the action remains open. Both goalkeepers, Vandevoordt and PSV keeper Matěj Kovář, make strong saves, for example against Antonio Nusa in the 48th minute and against Gruda as well as Willi Orbán in the 61st minute. Despite several chances the score stays unchanged until the 75th minute.

Gruda's goals spark Leipzig attack in Champions League after Bundesliga break

Gruda uses a corner from David Raum, dribbles in the backroom and deftly places the ball into the left corner. Shortly afterwards he is replaced by Rocco Reitz. In the final phase PSV increase the pressure, but a header by Armando Obispo from a cross by Ruben van Bommel is disallowed in the 82nd minute for offside.

Another yellow card is shown in the 85th minute to Obispo after he made a hard challenge on Reitz; earlier Nusa had already been cautioned in the 81st minute. Leipzig defend the narrow lead until the final whistle and thereby secure the first Champions League win of the season.

The victory photo of Brajan Gruda, taken as he celebrates his goal, is by photographer Sona Maleterova and illustrates the emotional highlight of the evening.