Champions League
PSV let chances slip as Leipzig up the pressure in the Champions League
PSV suffered a defeat on Tuesday evening away at RB Leipzig in the Champions League, after the Eindhoven side created several excellent chances but failed to convert them. In the second half Brajan Gruda provided the only goal of the match, giving the German team a 1‑0 win.
Big chances for PSV
The Eindhoven side created several dangerous situations. Ridle Baku got a huge chance from close range, but the ball was excellently saved by goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Shortly afterwards goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt had to intervene on a run from Sven Mijnans, while Ruben van Bommel made dangerous moves from the left.
Penalty controversy
After eighteen minutes PSV were awarded a clear penalty opportunity when Baku handled the ball in the penalty area. Referee Nick Walsh, after VAR intervention, pointed to the spot. Ivan Perišić stood behind the ball but struck his penalty straight down the middle, after which Vandevoordt kicked the ball away with his foot.
Vandevoordt makes miraculous penalty save in Champions League (VIDEO)
Leipzig’s decisive goal
In the second half Leipzig continued to apply pressure. Brajan Gruda forced Kovar into a save, after which he, shortly before the end, unleashed a hard, placed shot that found the 1‑0. A later goal from Gruda was disallowed by VAR for offside by a defender, leaving the final score unchanged.
Peter Bosz, PSV’s coach, saw his team concede a deficit after just four minutes, but could not convert the chances. Despite the many attacking intentions of both sides, the match ultimately remained a one‑sided victory for Leipzig.
Next week a tough away match awaits PSV against FC Porto, under coach Francesco Farioli, which represents a new challenge for the Dutch champion.