Léo Scienza scored a 95th-minute winner to preserve Heidenheim's top-flight status and leave Elversberg in the second tier in a dramatic play-off second leg.

Heidenheim strike first, Elversberg respond

Elversberg 1-2 Heidenheim (Heidenheim win 4-3 on agg.)
Goals: 0-1 Honsak 9' (assist: Scienza), 1-1 Fellhauer 31' (assist: Zimmerschied), 1-2 Scienza 90'+5 (assist: Wanner)

Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Heidenheim started the match with intent, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Mathias Honsak. The forward latched onto a clever pass from Scienza before calmly slotting past Nicolas Kristof. Elversberg, buoyed by their home support, fought back and equalised in the 31st minute. Robin Fellhauer finished off a well-worked move, bringing the scores level. The first half saw both teams trading blows, with Heidenheim's clinical finishing contrasting Elversberg's possession-based approach.

Mathias Honsak's early goal put Heidenheim in the driving seat, before Elversberg levelled on the night and in the tie. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

VAR drama and shifting momentum

The second half began with controversy as Elversberg thought they had taken the lead in the 48th minute. Fisnik Asllani found the net, but their celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for offside. This decision proved to be a turning point, shifting the momentum back in Heidenheim's favour. The visitors began to assert themselves more, with Scienza becoming increasingly influential. Elversberg continued to dominate possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Heidenheim defence.

Elversberg found another gear in the second half. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

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Scienza seals Heidenheim's survival

Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Heidenheim struck a devastating blow in the 95th minute. Scienza, who had been a thorn in Elversberg's side all evening, found space in the box and fired home the winning goal. The Brazilian's late strike sent the away fans into raptures and secured Heidenheim's place in next season's Bundesliga. For Elversberg, it was a heartbreaking end to their campaign, having come so close to victory.

Player of the Match: Léo Scienza

Scienza emerged as the hero for Heidenheim, capping off an outstanding performance with the crucial winning goal. The Brazilian was at the heart of Heidenheim's attacking play throughout the match, providing the assist for Honsak's opener before scoring the dramatic late winner. Scienza's ability to influence the game in key moments proved to be the difference between the two sides, ensuring Heidenheim's Bundesliga survival in the most dramatic fashion.

Léo Scienza was also instrumental as Heidenheim came from 2-0 down to draw the first leg. - Alex Grimm

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Elversberg 0.75 - Heidenheim 1.39
Fastest player: Léo Scienza (HDH), 33.85 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Léo Scienza (HDH), 15.52 percent
Most pressed player: Fisnik Asllani (ELV), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Muhammed Damar (ELV), +3.66

About the clubs

1. FC Heidenheim 1846

Voith-Arena

SV Elversberg

URSAPHARM-Arena