Heidenheim triumph in relegation six-pointer against Kiel
Heidenheim secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Holstein Kiel in their Bundesliga relegation battle. Goals from Marvin Pieringer, Budu Zivzivadze, and Sirlord Conteh sealed the win despite a late Kiel fightback.
Heidenheim 3-1 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 1-0 Pieringer 33’ (assist: Krätzig), 2-0 Zivzivadze 48‘, 2-1 Harres 87‘, 3-1 Conteh 90‘+3 (assist: Zivzivadze)
The Voith-Arena played host to a crucial relegation battle as Heidenheim welcomed Holstein Kiel for a match that could significantly impact both teams' Bundesliga survival hopes. With Heidenheim sitting second from bottom and Kiel just one place above them, the stakes couldn't have been higher. Frank Schmidt's side came into the match winless in nine, while Marcel Rapp's Kiel had shown signs of life with two wins in the same period. The stage was set for a tense and potentially season-defining encounter.
Heidenheim edge ahead in cagey first half
The match began with Kiel asserting themselves, dominating possession in the early stages. As the half progressed, Heidenheim gradually grew into the game. Their first real chance came in the 19th minute when Frans Krätzig set up Adrian Beck, whose powerful strike forced a fine save from Timon Weiner. The hosts continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute. Krätzig delivered a precise cross from the left, finding Marvin Pieringer, who rose highest to guide a header beyond Weiner, giving Heidenheim the lead. Kiel struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their best effort coming from Steven Skrzybski, who fired wide from a promising position in the 20th minute.
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Zivzivadze doubles the lead as Heidenheim take control
Heidenheim came out firing in the second half, doubling their advantage just two minutes after the restart. Following a free-kick, Patrick Mainka played the ball to Budu Zivzivadze, who unleashed a powerful low shot from about 19 meters out. The ball flew past Weiner and into the bottom corner, leaving the Kiel goalkeeper with no chance. The goal was a hammer blow to Kiel's hopes, prompting Rapp to make a double substitution, bringing on Lewis Holtby and Fiete Arp in the 56th minute. The changes nearly paid off immediately, as Arp came agonizingly close to pulling one back in the 58th minute, his free-kick rattling the crossbar with Kevin Müller beaten.
Late drama as Heidenheim secure vital victory
As the match entered its final stages, Kiel began to push forward with increasing desperation. Their efforts were rewarded in the 87th minute when Phil Harres pounced on a rebound from Finn Porath's saved shot to slot home, setting up a grandstand finish. The goal injected new life into the visitors, who threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. However, their attacking intent left them vulnerable at the back, and Heidenheim exploited this in the third minute of stoppage time. A swift counter-attack saw Zivzivadze set up substitute Sirlord Conteh, who had only been on the pitch for four minutes. Conteh calmly slotted past Weiner to seal a crucial 3-1 victory for the hosts, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
Player of the Match: Budu Zivzivadze
Zivzivadze's performance was instrumental in Heidenheim's victory. The Georgian forward not only scored a crucial goal to double his team's lead but also provided the assist for the match-clinching third. His goal early in the second half, a well-placed shot from outside the box, demonstrated his clinical finishing. Zivzivadze's ability to hold up play and bring his teammates into the game was evident throughout, and his assist for Conteh's goal showcased his vision and unselfishness. With 13 challenges won, the highest for Heidenheim, he also contributed significantly to the team's defensive efforts, proving to be a constant thorn in Kiel's side throughout the match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 1.77 - Kiel 1.37
Fastest player: Marnon Busch (Heidenheim), 33.77 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Budu Zivzivadze (Heidenheim), 6 percent
Most pressed player: Budu Zivzivadze (Heidenheim), 15 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Niklas Dorsch (Heidenheim), +3.08
Fantasy Heroes: Budu Zivzivadze (Heidenheim, 260 Points), Frans Krätzig (Heidenheim, 200 Points), Marvin Pieringer (Heidenheim, 183 Points)
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