Heidenheim avoid automatic relegation after stunning win in Union | OneFootball

Union already secured their place in next season’s Bundesliga after one of the best halves of the Bundesliga a fortnight ago. Meanwhile, Heidenheim play to at least hold on to their playoff spot in the final two weeks of the season.

With Kevin Müller out after last week’s scary incident, 21-year-old Frank Feller makes his Bundesliga debut in goal for the visitors. Paul Wanner, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, also returns to the starting XI for the first time in over two months.

As always, Union Berlin fans created a spectacular atmosphere inside Alten Försterei, but Heidenheim players wanted the result more. Having been honored with the “Order of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg” on Friday, Heidenheim’s long-serving coach had another reason to celebrate early in the game.

Marvin Pieringer sets up Adrian Beck in the 12th minute as Frank Schmidt’s team take a deserved lead. The host’s best first-half chance saw Andrej Ilić fail to connect with the ball five minutes before the break.

Laszlo Bénes and Heidenheim’s goalscorer had good chances at either end inside the first five minutes after the break. Moments later, the Europa Conference League participants extended their lead to all but secure a relegation/promotion playoff spot.

Pieringer was at the center stage once again as Jan Schöppner provided a calm finish. Before Baumgart made triple substitutions, Janik Haberer scored a goal that was ruled out for offside.

With Kiel and Bochum in losing positions, Heidenheim knew that keeping this scoreline would be enough to avoid an automatic relegation. And, fifteen minutes before time, they seal the deal with the third goal of the game.

Wanner sets up Beck’s deflected effort as the attacking midfielder scored his second of the match.  Coupled with results elsewhere, Heidenheim confirm they will not be automatically relegated. Meanwhile, Bochum and Holstein Kiel will play in 2. Bundesliga next season.

Heidenheim will hope to leapfrog St. Pauli next weekend so that they will secure automatic safety. However, Alexander Blessin’s side can book their place in next season’s Bundesliga with a win over Frankfurt tomorrow.