Germany Beat Nine-Man Serbia 3-1 as Gruda Scores Stunning Debut Goal

Posted : 14 November 2026

Germany kept their UEFA Nations League quarter-final hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Friday, November 13. Jürgen Klopp's side produced a strong attacking display before the hosts finished the match with nine players.

The visitors made an immediate impact at the Stadion Rajko Mitić. Serbia defender Srđan Babić turned the ball into his own net in the third minute while attempting to deal with a German attack. Florian Wirtz then doubled Germany's advantage in the 14th minute after Kai Havertz's initial effort was saved.

Germany controlled much of the first half and carried their two-goal lead into the break. The visitors continued their dominance after the restart, with Brajan Gruda delivering the standout moment of the match.

The Brighton midfielder, who is on loan at RB Leipzig, collected the ball inside his own half and drove forward past several Serbian players. He finished the impressive solo run with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area in the 50th minute. Joshua Kimmich provided the assist.

Gruda's goal was particularly significant because it came on his senior international debut. The 22-year-old made an immediate impression under Klopp and gave Germany a commanding three-goal advantage.

Serbia responded six minutes later when Babić found the net at the correct end. The defender reacted quickest to a set-piece situation and reduced the deficit to 3-1, giving the home side a brief opportunity to fight back.

However, Serbia's chances suffered a major setback when Vanja Dragojević received a straight red card in the 76th minute for a dangerous challenge on Kimmich. Andrija Živković was also dismissed in the 89th minute after being penalized for abusive language.

Germany maintained control during the closing stages and secured all three points. The result marked Klopp's second victory in his first five matches as Germany head coach, alongside two draws and one defeat.

The win kept Germany in contention for a place in the quarter-finals, although their position in Group A2 remained challenging. The Netherlands stayed top after thrashing Greece 7-0, while Greece occupied second place. Germany were third, with the teams level on eight points according to the match reports.

Germany now face a decisive final group fixture against the Netherlands on Monday, November 16. A strong result could improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage, depending on Greece's performance against Serbia.

Germany's dominance was reflected in the match statistics. They enjoyed approximately 79 percent possession and registered 22 shots, compared with Serbia's five attempts. The visitors also recorded six shots on target and six corners, showing how effectively they controlled the contest.

The result also provided a timely boost for Germany ahead of their final group assignment. Klopp will hope his players can carry the confidence from Belgrade into the Netherlands encounter, where qualification for the quarter-finals remains at stake. Serbia, meanwhile, must respond after a disappointing performance that ended with two players sent off.

Germany Beat Nine-Man Serbia 3-1 as Gruda Scores Stunning Debut Goal

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