Gruda gives Leipzig its first Champions League win

Leipzig beat PSV 1-0 in the Champions League, with Brajan Gruda scoring to give Demichelis his first victory. The first 0-0 of this edition looked increasingly possible until the attacking midfielder made the breakthrough. With a quarter of an hour left, Gruda collected the ball at the edge of the area; a defender’s deflection sent it into the net.

Demichelis changed his starting side after the heavy defeat to Como in the previous match. Banzuzi partnered El Aynaoui in midfield, Gruda started on the right and Romulo took Guiu’s place up front. Peter Bosz also adjusted his setup, moving Mauro Júnior into midfield and using Mijnans as a false nine.

Kovar and Vandervoordt were called into action early. The PSV goalkeeper, in particular, kept out a Nkunku volley, while Vandervoordt turned away a cross-shot from Mijnans. Leipzig nevertheless created the more convincing chances before the break, especially through the wide threat of Gruda and Nusa.

After half-time, Kovar saved another effort from Nusa. Ruben van Bommel then drove down the left and cut the ball back for Mijnans, who missed the target. Kostic and Baku also tried their luck, but Vandervoordt and Kovar held firm. Leipzig later had to deal with a succession of PSV crosses. Kovar produced another save from a Dest attempt before Gruda settled the match and ended Demichelis’s wait for a win.