RB Leipzig recovered from an early setback to thrash FC Augsburg 5-2 in their Bundesliga encounter at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday, with Brajan Gruda delivering an outstanding performance.
Augsburg stunned the home supporters when Anton Kade opened the scoring barely a minute into the game, but Leipzig responded strongly to take control of the contest.
Ezechiel Banzuzi restored parity for the hosts in the 33rd minute before Christopher Nkunku put Leipzig ahead two minutes later.
David Raum then extended their advantage with a well-taken free-kick just before half-time to make it 3-1.
Leipzig continued their dominance after the restart, with Rômulo scoring the fourth goal in the 60th minute following an assist from Nkunku.
Substitute Christoph Baumgartner increased the lead to 5-1 six minutes later, finishing off a pass from Antonio Nusa to put the result beyond doubt.
Augsburg managed to reduce the deficit in stoppage time through substitute Uchenna Ogundu, who scored a late consolation goal to make it 5-2.
Gruda was instrumental in Leipzig’s victory, providing assists for Banzuzi and Nkunku’s first-half goals before being substituted in the 65th minute.
The midfielder recorded five key passes, created a big chance and won 11 of his 12 duels during an impressive display.
He was named the highest-rated player of the match with a rating of nine.
Nkunku also delivered an influential performance, contributing a goal and an assist, while Raum combined his defensive responsibilities with an important goal.
Goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt was another standout performer for Leipzig, making six saves to frustrate Augsburg and help the hosts maintain their advantage.
Despite enjoying less possession, Augsburg created several opportunities but struggled to convert them.
Leipzig finished with 65 per cent possession and 17 shots, while the visitors recorded 13 attempts.
The victory capped a convincing performance from Leipzig, who turned an early deficit into a comfortable three-goal triumph in the ninth round of the Bundesliga.
