Famous win for Heidenheim in Copenhagen | OneFootball

Heidenheim came into the tie on the back of four straight Bundesliga defeats. With Holstein Kiel and VfL Bochum sharing the spoils last Sunday, FCH are currently three points adrift of the foot of the table. Just like the league phase, Frank Schmidt picked a different team from the one struggling to pick up points in Bundesliga.

In contrast, Copenhagen are top of the Danish Superliga by virtue of a superior goal difference over FC Midtjylland. However, with the winter break lasting until the upcoming weekend, Jacob Neestrup’s side was yet to play a competitive game in 2025. They lost both of their last two friendlies, including a 4-3 defeat to fellow Superliga team AGF last Saturday.

The hosts started the game brightly as they dominated possession before the game’s first chance in the 20th minute. Rodrigo Huescas, who comes in the place of suspended Kevin Dicks, was expertly denied by Heindeheim’s young goalkeeper Frank Feller.

The right-back’s header ricocheted off the post by the 21-year-old before Norman Theuerkauf cleared Jordan Larsson’s subsequent effort from the goal line. Feller’s next big save shortly followed as he parried away Victor Froholdt’s curling attempt. The 18-year-old produced another dazzling performance in his 40th appearance for Copenhagen.

The chances keep coming for Copenhagen with Robert, Viktor Claesson and Magnus Mattsson failing to convert opportunities until the last kick of the first-half. Marcos López’s overlapping run was spotted by Mattsson, who split Heidenheim’s defensive line with a weighted through pass. From the Peruvian’s pin-point delivery, Larsson opened the scoring with an easy finish.

Henrik Larsson’s son had a scoreless spell at Schalke before a permanent move to Copenhagen for €2 million at the start of last season. It was his first goal in all competitions in a campaign riddled with injuries.

Marvin Pieringer had Heidenheim’s only shot on target in the first-half. However, Diant Ramaj’s debut was still eventful thanks to Schmidt’s substitutions and Heidenheim’s set-pieces play after the break.

Replacing the 38-year-old Theuerkauf for the second-half, Omar Traoré posed a consistent attacking threat while restricting López to his half. And, then, there was a big improvement from Heidenheim’s set-pieces. Paul Wanner’s deliveries made it feel like Jan-Niklas Beste was back in the club.

The Bayern loanee was also at the heart of the equalizing goal. His free-kick was headed by the two center-backs before Thomas Keller guided it home in his European debut. Instead of going for the draw, Schmidt introduced Budu Zivzivadz and Mathias Honsak right away.

Ramaj would then make great saves from Wanner and Honsak before Copenhagen regained momentum with Mohamed Elyounoussi and Roony Bardghji’s introductions. The duo combined well before Feller made another super save to deny the 19-year-old.

But, against all odds, it was the guests who came away with a slender first leg lead. Tim Seirsleben timed his run to finish off a move he started with aplomb. The center-back was unmarked when Honsak’s delivery was deflected his way by Thomas Delaney. In the dying minutes, Ramaj even had to make another good save from Jan Schoppner.

Heidenheim will return to league action on Sunday when they host Mainz. Copenhagen’s first league game of the year will see them travel to third-placed Randers FC on Monday. The Conference League tie will be decided on Voith-Arena next week.