Sturm Graz Salvage Pride with 1-0 UCL Win Over RB Leipzig

Sturm Graz secured a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, bringing a disappointing UCL campaign to a close for the German side. Get the latest UCL updates, match highlights, and results.

RB Leipzig's UEFA Champions League campaign came to a disappointing end with a 1-0 defeat to Sturm Graz. The Austrian side salvaged some pride with a hard-fought victory, marking RB Leipzig's third consecutive loss to Austrian opposition. With both teams already eliminated from the competition, the match lacked intensity in the opening exchanges.

As the game progressed, RB Leipzig began to dominate possession, but clear-cut chances were scarce. The best opportunity fell to Antonio Nusa, who forced a great fingertip save from Kjell Scherpen. However, the offside flag would have denied the goal anyway. Sturm Graz gradually grew back into the game as the half wore on, and they eventually broke the deadlock minutes before halftime.

Sturm Graz secure their second win of the league phase ⚫️⚪️#UCL pic.twitter.com/n3WtGVLcuy

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2025

The goal came from a corner, with Maarten Vandevoordt showing great reflexes to deny Arjan Malic at the back post. However, the ball fell kindly for the teenager, who slammed home his first European goal. This strike proved to be the decisive moment in the match, securing a 1-0 victory for Sturm Graz and bringing RB Leipzig's Champions League campaign to a close.

The league phase is complete ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/8Ix7MvcqI4

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025

RB Leipzig appeared revitalized after the break, seeking a quick response to Sturm Graz's halftime lead. However, Christoph Baumgartner squandered a prime opportunity, slashing the ball high and wide as it fell to him in the box. This miss seemed to be punished just after the hour mark when William Bøving capitalized on a loose ball, but a VAR review intervened.

The review revealed a clear foul in the buildup, as Seedy Jatta's flying elbow wiped out Willi Orban, prompting the referee to overturn the goal. RB Leipzig continued to push for a leveller, but Kjell Scherpen stood firm, denying the German side's efforts. With nothing at stake, the game gradually lost momentum in the final stages, allowing Sturm Graz to hold on for the win.

Both teams will reflect on a disappointing UEFA Champions League campaign. Sturm Graz's struggles were epitomized by their meager return of just five goals in eight games. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, never recovered from a disastrous start, suffering six consecutive defeats that ultimately sealed their fate.