Gruda scored in the 75th minute at the Red Bull Arena, breaking the deadlock in a closely contested encounter. Vandevoordt had earlier denied Ivan Perišić from the penalty spot, helping Leipzig preserve a clean sheet and claim three important points.
The result offered head coach Martín Demichelis and his players a response after their 4–1 defeat away to Como in their opening Champions League fixture.
Vandevoordt saves Leipzig after penalty award
Leipzig started brightly and created an early opportunity when Ridle Baku forced PSV goalkeeper Matěj Kovář into a save in the fourth minute.
PSV gradually grew into the contest and were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute following a VAR review. Baku was penalised for handball after the ball struck his outstretched arm inside the penalty area.
Perišić stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Vandevoordt produced an excellent save, stretching out a foot to keep the Croatian’s effort out.
The intervention proved crucial as both sides continued to search for an opening goal. Gruda threatened for Leipzig before the interval, but Kovář also made important saves to ensure the teams went into half-time level at 0–0.
Leipzig increase pressure after the break
Leipzig returned from the interval with greater attacking urgency and began to control more of the proceedings.
Antonio Nusa tested Kovář in the 48th minute, while Leipzig continued to threaten from set-pieces. Gruda and captain Willi Orbán were both denied during a dangerous attacking sequence in the 61st minute.
PSV also had opportunities to take the lead, but Leipzig’s defensive organisation and Vandevoordt’s composure kept the visitors at bay.
As the match progressed, Leipzig’s sustained pressure began to tell, with Gruda emerging as the player capable of producing the decisive moment.
Gruda breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 75th minute following a Leipzig corner delivered by David Raum.
PSV defender Armando Obispo failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing Gruda to control it near the edge of the penalty area. The German attacker worked the ball into shooting position before curling an effort towards the top-left corner.
Perišić got a slight touch on the attempt, but the deflection was enough to take the ball beyond Kovář and into the net.
The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and rewarded Leipzig’s improved second-half performance.
PSV push for an equaliser
PSV attempted to respond after falling behind and increased their attacking pressure during the closing stages.
Obispo appeared to have equalised in the 82nd minute when he headed home from a cross by Ruben van Bommel. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Leipzig to retain their narrow advantage.
The Dutch side continued to send balls into the penalty area, but Leipzig defended resolutely and managed the final minutes without conceding.
Gruda was substituted shortly after scoring, receiving recognition for his decisive contribution as Leipzig held on for victory.
Leipzig gain momentum ahead of demanding fixtures
The win gave Leipzig their first points of the Champions League campaign and helped them recover from the heavy defeat against Como in their opening match.
Gruda’s return to the starting line-up following an abdominal muscle injury proved significant, while Vandevoordt’s penalty save demonstrated the importance of his contribution at the other end of the pitch.
Leipzig now face a demanding run of fixtures, beginning with a Bundesliga trip to Bayern Munich on Saturday, 17 October, before travelling to Spain to face Real Madrid in the Champions League on 21 October.
PSV, meanwhile, will need to improve their finishing after failing to convert several promising opportunities, including Perišić’s penalty.
Match details
Competition: UEFA Champions League, league phase
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany
Half-time: RB Leipzig 0–0 PSV Eindhoven
Full-time: RB Leipzig 1–0 PSV Eindhoven
Goalscorer:
• RB Leipzig: Brajan Gruda 75'
• PSV Eindhoven: No goals
Key moment: Vandevoordt’s 19th-minute penalty save kept Leipzig level before Gruda scored the winner in the 75th minute.