Brajan Gruda scored a spectacular late winner to earn RB Leipzig a hard-fought 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), extending the German side’s impressive home winning streak to nine matches.

Leipzig made an energetic start, with PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar forced into an early save to deny Ridle Baku with a low dive to his right just four minutes into the contest.

At the other end, Ruben van Bommel tested Leipzig’s defence with a relatively comfortable effort before PSV were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR review for handball against Baku.

Ivan Perisic stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Maarten Vandevoordt produced an excellent save, using his trailing leg to keep out the Croatian’s low attempt down the middle

The opening 20 minutes delivered plenty of action, with opportunities at both ends. Ezechiel Banzuzi and Antonio Nusa failed to find the target for Leipzig, while Armando Obispo headed wide for PSV.

Gruda then embarked on a dangerous run into the penalty area, only for Kovar to make another strong save. Meanwhile, Romulo Cardoso created space for himself from around 20 yards out but fired harmlessly over the crossbar as the sides went into half-time at 0-0.

The second half continued at a lively pace, with Nusa and Baku forcing further saves from Kovar with low shots towards the near post.

PSV also threatened, but Sven Mijnans wasted a promising opportunity by firing wide from the penalty spot. At the other end, Vandevoordt reacted sharply to push away a powerful effort from Filip Kostic.

The Leipzig goalkeeper remained busy, denying Sergino Dest after the defender was picked out by a clever reverse pass from Perisic. Kovar then responded with a superb point-blank save to prevent Gruda from breaking the deadlock.

Despite 23 attempts on goal during the opening hour, including 11 on target, neither side could find a breakthrough.

That changed when Gruda produced a moment of brilliance from outside the penalty area. Controlling the ball on his chest, the midfielder unleashed a left-footed strike that took a deflection off Perisic before flying into the net to give RB Leipzig the lead.

PSV thought they had found a late equaliser through Obispo, but a lengthy VAR review ruled out the goal for offside, allowing Leipzig to hold on for a crucial victory.

The result represents only Leipzig’s second win in their last 12 Champions League matches, although their ninth consecutive home victory provided a significant boost. PSV, meanwhile, failed to score for the first time since their opening match of the campaign and remain without a win in the league phase, having recorded one draw and one defeat.