A tight contest decided by one deflection
RB Leipzig beat PSV 1-0 in the second round of the Champions League league phase, and the Dutch champions left Germany without a point. Both sides had needed a win after their openers, as PSV had drawn 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk while Leipzig had lost 4-1 at Como. Coach Peter Bosz had expected a contest between two attacking teams, and both sides pushed forward, although the game fell short of that billing. PSV created enough chances to have taken something from the match.
Bosz's changes and early chances
Bosz made the changes that had been expected. Lutsharel Geertruida and Ivan Perisic returned to the starting lineup after being out of action for physical reasons. Mauro Junior moved from left back into midfield, which opened a spot for Filip Kostić at left back. Kostić started poorly, heading the ball straight to Ridle Baku, whose powerful shot forced Matej Kovár into the first save of the game. Sven Mijnans, making his first Champions League start, then forced a fine save from Maarten Vandevoordt.
The change paid off, as PSV looked far better with Mauro in midfield. The Brazilian international won many loose balls and, alongside the Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano, formed the engine room of a PSV side that grew stronger as the first half went on.
The penalty and the miss
In the 18th minute referee Nick Walsh stopped play for a penalty check after the ball struck Ridle Baku's arm in a duel. After a VAR intervention, the referee pointed to the spot, a gift for PSV. Ivan Perisic stepped up but drove the kick down the middle, where Vandevoordt stopped it with his foot.
Losing that chance was a costly setback, but PSV kept the initiative and the ball. They finished the first half with 56% possession. Near the interval, Leipzig began to threaten in turn.
Leipzig's late pressure
Late in the first half Leipzig created chances. Antonio Nusa fired a shot, and Neil El Aynaoui was presented with a chance by Brajan Gruda but shot high. Kovár also made a save from a Gruda effort. Ezechiel Banzuzi, a former NAC player, had been given a starting place for Leipzig.
After the break the game swung back and forth, with Kovár making several saves. Mijnans had the best chance to put PSV ahead after a fine move involving Kostić and Ruben van Bommel, but he fired wide. He also missed another chance after a cross from Van Bommel.
As the end approached, Leipzig's pressure grew, and Gruda scored a quarter hour from time. The ball deflected off Perisic, leaving Kovár with no chance. Armando Obispo later headed in, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
What comes next for PSV
After two matchdays, PSV are well behind the pace needed to finish among the top 24 of the league phase. They leave Leipzig with nothing from this match. Their next game is another demanding away trip, to FC Porto, coached by Francesco Farioli.
