RB Leipzig defeated PSV Eindhoven 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, with Brajan Gruda scoring the decisive goal in the second half at the Red Bull Arena.
The German side secured the victory despite facing pressure from the visitors, who dominated possession but failed to convert their opportunities into goals.
PSV had an early opportunity to take the lead in the 19th minute when Ivan Perisic stepped up to take a penalty.
However, Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt saved the effort to keep the game goalless.
Three minutes earlier, a possible penalty for the visitors had been reviewed but not awarded.
Leipzig eventually broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Gruda found space following a corner situation and fired a left-footed shot into the net to give the hosts the lead.
PSV attempted to find an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to penetrate Leipzig’s defence.
Goalkeeper Matěj Kovář made six saves for the visitors, while the hosts remained disciplined to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
Although PSV enjoyed 57 per cent possession and won 12 corners against Leipzig’s six, the hosts were more threatening in front of goal.
Leipzig registered 19 shots, with seven on target, compared with PSV’s 11 attempts and five on target.
The hosts also created three clear-cut chances, while PSV managed two, as Leipzig made better use of their attacking opportunities.
Gruda was the standout performer, scoring the winning goal before being substituted in the 76th minute.
He recorded four shots, three on target and created three chances during his time on the pitch.
Vandevoordt’s first-half penalty save also proved crucial, with the goalkeeper making five saves in total to help Leipzig secure the narrow victory.
