Marvin Pieringer's double helps Heidenheim rescue dramatic draw against Bayer Leverkusen

Heidenheim twice fought back from behind to earn a 3-3 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, with Marvin Pieringer scoring a brace as both sides shared the points in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter.

Heidenheim 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Tillman 22’ (assist: García), 0-2 Schick 35’ (assist: Grimaldo), 1-2 Behrens 56’ (assist: Busch), 2-2 Pieringer (pen.) 72’, 2-3 Schick 79’ (assist: Grimaldo), 3-3 Pieringer 85’ (assist: Beck)

Heidenheim welcomed Leverkusen to the Voith-Arena with the odds firmly stacked against them. Frank Schmidt's side entered the contest winless in 13 Bundesliga matches and facing a 10-point gap to the relegation playoff spot.

Meanwhile, Kasper Hjulmand's Leverkusen, fresh from UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal, were looking to reignite their push for European qualification. Die Werkself had won all five previous meetings with Heidenheim, including a commanding 6-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in November.

Malik Tillman fires Leverkusen ahead in the 22nd minute, breaking the deadlock after a period of sustained pressure from the visitors. The goal was his fifth of the season, with four of them coming in away matches. - IMAGO/Michael Weber IMAGEPOWER

Leverkusen dominate first half

Despite a bright start from the hosts, it was Malik Tillman who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. The midfielder found space at the far post to convert Aleix García's inviting cross from the right.

Thirteen minutes later, Patrik Schick doubled Leverkusen's advantage with a powerful header from Alejandro Grimaldo's delivery. Schick's 20th headed goal in the Bundesliga gave the visitors a comfortable lead at the break, with their 68 percent possession reflecting their dominance of the opening period.

Leverkusen players celebrate after Patrik Schick's first-half header gave them a commanding 2-0 lead. The Czech striker netted his eighth goal of the season with a clinical finish from Grimaldo's cross. - IMAGO/kolbert-press/Martin Agüera

About the players

14

Patrik

Schick

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

18

Marvin

Pieringer

1. FC Heidenheim 1846

Heidenheim fight back after the break

Schmidt's half-time changes triggered an immediate response from Heidenheim. Julian Niehues, introduced at the interval, struck the woodwork in the 49th minute before Hennes Behrens reduced the deficit with a speculative cross-shot seven minutes later.

The left-back's strike from nearly 37 metres found the net via the post for his first Bundesliga goal. The hosts continued to press and were rewarded when Pieringer, another substitute, converted a penalty in the 72nd minute after being fouled by Robert Andrich.

Julian Niehues watches as his powerful strike crashes against the post early in the second half. The midfielder's effort signaled Heidenheim's improved performance after the interval as they fought back from two goals down. - IMAGO/kolbert-press/Martin Agüera

Late drama seals thrilling draw

Leverkusen responded to Heidenheim's fightback when Schick restored their lead in the 79th minute. The Czech striker rose highest to meet Grimaldo's corner with a clinical header for his second goal of the afternoon. But the drama wasn't over.

With just five minutes remaining, Pieringer completed Heidenheim's remarkable comeback with a strong header from Adrian Beck's cross. Despite Leverkusen pushing for a winner during seven minutes of added time, both sides ultimately had to settle for a point in this six-goal thriller.

Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick celebrate one of Leverkusen's three goals at the Voith-Arena. Schick's second-half header briefly put the visitors ahead again before Heidenheim's late equaliser. - IMAGO/Philipp Imhof

Man of the Match: Marvin Pieringer

Pieringer proved to be the catalyst for Heidenheim's spirited comeback after being introduced in the 64th minute. The striker displayed remarkable composure to convert his penalty, sending Mark Flekken the wrong way to bring the scores level.

His aerial prowess was then on full display for the crucial 85th-minute equaliser, powering home a header from Beck's delivery. Despite only playing for 26 minutes plus stoppage time, Pieringer's clinical finishing earned him 267 Fantasy points, the second-highest among Heidenheim players, and the Man of the Match award with 41 percent of the fan vote.

A "Love Football. Hate Racism." banner featuring the crests of both clubs was prominently displayed at the Voith-Arena, highlighting football's commitment to equality and inclusion. - IMAGO/Philipp Imhof

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 1.32 - Leverkusen 1.63
Fastest player: Eren Dinkçi (Heidenheim), 34.53 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Hennes Behrens (Heidenheim), 2.1 percent
Most pressed player: Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Diant Ramaj (Heidenheim), +2.47

Fantasy Heroes: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen, 340 Points), Hennes Behrens (Heidenheim 1846, 290 Points), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen, 270 Points)

About the clubs

Heidenheim

Voith-Arena

Bayer Leverkusen

BayArena