PSV's Kovár keeps hope alive as German curse persists

Under the floodlights of the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday evening, goalkeeper Matej Kovár made a series of spectacular saves that kept PSV Eindhoven in the game against RB Leipzig, only for the Dutch champions to fall short in the Champions League duel.

Early chances and a missed penalty

Peter Bosz had promised an open, attacking spectacle, and the match began with Ivan Perišić forcing a potential early strike in the nineteenth minute. A VAR‑review ruled a handball by Ridle Baku, awarding PSV a penalty, but Perišić’s spot‑kick sailed straight down the middle, allowing Leipzig keeper Maarten Vandevoordt to tip the ball away.

Kovár’s heroics amid mounting pressure

Leipzig’s wingers Antonio Nusa and Brajan Gruda tested the Czech international repeatedly before the break, each seeing their shots either saved or missing the target. Kovár also repelled a hard strike from the Norwegian attacker shortly after, diving to block the effort.

In the second half the pressure intensified. After a powerful shot from Nusa, Kovár again threw his body into the line of fire, later suffering a brief knock from a follow‑up strike but recovering quickly to make two more crucial saves within seconds.

PSV’s missed opportunities

Despite the goalkeeper’s heroics, PSV created several chances. Ruben van Bommel’s quick passes opened space behind Leipzig’s defence, yet a header from Armando Obispo failed to produce a goal. Sven Mijnans, who entered after a substitution, saw his shot drift wide.

PSV let chances slip as Leipzig up the pressure in the Champions League

Filip Kostić and Sergiño Dest threatened Vandevoordt from dangerous angles, but the German keeper remained untroubled. Later, a cross from Gruda was deflected off Perišić’s back, prompting Bosz to introduce Ryan Flamingo and Yarek Gasiorowski for Kostić and Lutsharel Geertruida.

Flamingo’s header struck the top of the crossbar, and a subsequent attempt by Obispo was ruled out for offside. Late‑game debutants Mikkel Bro Hansen and Ayoni Santos added fresh legs, yet PSV could not find the equaliser.

With the defeat, PSV’s record in Germany remains winless, extending a curse that has haunted the club since 1977. The side now sits on a single point after an earlier draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, while Leipzig prepare for a Saturday clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Vandevoordt makes miraculous penalty save in Champions League (VIDEO)

Next week, PSV travel to face FC Porto, hoping to turn the tide in their European campaign.