Brajan Gruda’s 89th-minute equaliser for RB Leipzig on loan signals a return to form — bettors might back Gruda as an anytime goalscorer or Leipzig in markets favouring late goals/draws. The loan boost also increases value on young attackers and second-half goal lines across Bundesliga markets.
Gruda revival: late leveller lifts RB Leipzig
Brajan Gruda, the 21-year-old who moved from Mainz to Brighton for £25m in summer 2024, has rediscovered his best form after joining RB Leipzig on loan this season in Bundesliga. Leipzig drew 2-2 at home with struggling Wolfsburg, and Gruda’s 89th-minute equaliser underlined his creativity and finishing instincts that rarely emerged in the Premier League. The goal strengthens Leipzig’s attack options as they chase a top-six push.
Lennart Karl’s stepover sparks Bayern’s win
Lennart Karl answered criticism with a moment of individual brilliance that set Bayern Munich on course for a 3-0 victory at Werder Bremen. The 17-year-old’s slalom and stepover won a penalty converted by Harry Kane for the opening goal. Manager Vincent Kompany defended encouraging young flair, and Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus urged patience, comparing early-career trickery to the formative moments of future greats.
Eintracht’s goalkeeper situation: Riera backs Kaua Santos
Albert Riera publicly backed 22-year-old Brazilian keeper Kaua Santos after Eintracht Frankfurt’s 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Riera praised Santos as brave, quick, dominant off his line and possessing top-level attributes, while acknowledging occasional mistakes are part of development. Santos produced a strong performance, kept his first clean sheet since December and earned selection in Kicker’s team of the week.
Match roundup: Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Augsburg and Hamburg results
Big wins and survival scraps
Bayer Leverkusen thumped St. Pauli 4-0, Stuttgart beat Köln 3-1, and Augsburg extended an unbeaten home run to seven with a late penalty in a 1-0 win over Heidenheim. The result leaves Heidenheim deeper in trouble at the foot of the table.
Hamburg edge Union amid controversy
Hamburg moved into mid-table safety with a 3-2 victory over Union Berlin. Ransford Königsdörffer scored twice and marked his first with a pointed celebration aimed at Union defender Leopold Querfeld, recalling a contentious incident from their earlier meeting. Hoffenheim set a club record of eight home matches without defeat after a 3-0 win over Freiburg; Andrej Kramarić also had a spectacular but ultimately disallowed volley.
Borussia Dortmund: clinical performance and community drive
Borussia Dortmund produced a dominant 4-0 win over Mainz to remain second, with Julian Ryerson assisting all four goals — a rare feat. Off the pitch, Dortmund organised free testicular cancer screenings at the stadium before the game, screening more than 500 people as part of a community health drive inspired by past player experiences.
Meisterschale on tour: Bundesliga trophy reaches the US
The Bundesliga’s Meisterschale made a transatlantic appearance ahead of the Super Bowl, featuring in social coverage with an NFL quarterback showing the trophy’s scale and weight. The tour emphasises the league’s growing profile in North America.
What this means for bettors and markets
Young, in-form attackers like Gruda can create short-term market value in anytime scorer, first/last scorer and second-half goal markets.
Bookmakers may shorten odds on Leipzig to find late goals and on teams encouraged to back creative loan signings; conversely, keep an eye on volatility around young keepers and defensive lines as clubs manage development risks.
Serie A | Cagliari 0-2 Lecce: Huge 3 points in Serie A relegation battle
Brajan Gruda looks rejuvenated, Lennart Karl is not affected by his viral moment and credit on and off the field to Borussia Dortmund
Theathleticuk
