Six-goal thriller sees Heidenheim and VfB Stuttgart share the spoils

Bottom club Heidenheim twice led against UEFA Champions League-chasing Stuttgart in a thrilling 3-3 draw that saw two penalties converted and late goals from Sirlord Conteh and Deniz Undav.

Heidenheim welcomed high-flying Stuttgart to the Voith-Arena desperate for points in their relegation battle. Frank Schmidt's men entered the fixture without a win in nine Bundesliga matches, having lost their last four in a row.

In stark contrast, Sebastian Hoeneß's Stuttgart had been in excellent form since the winter break, collecting 16 points from a possible 21 to climb back into the Champions League places. 

Führich points to the sky after giving his side an early lead. - Sebastian Widmann

Stuttgart wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead after just five minutes, as Chris Führich won possession high up the pitch and drove towards goal before coolly slotting past Diant Ramaj. Heidenheim looked shell-shocked initially, but gradually grew into the match and levelled midway through the half when Eren Dinkçi finished smartly after receiving the ball from Christian Conteh.

The match then saw a dramatic turn of events; Ermedin Demirović thought he'd restored Stuttgart's lead, only for play to be called back for a penalty to Heidenheim after Maximilian Mittelstädt had fouled Dinkçi in the box. From 12 yards, Arijon Ibrahimović converted confidently to put the hosts in front. The drama continued when Stuttgart were awarded a penalty of their own just before half-time after C. Conteh fouled Chema Andrés, with Mittelstädt making amends for his earlier error by equalising from the spot.

Eren Dinkçi and Arijon Ibrahimović were instrumental for Heidenheim in the first half, with both players finding the net to give their side a 2-1 lead before Stuttgart's late first-half equalizer. - IMAGO/nordphoto GmbH / Hafner

About the players

10

Chris

Führich

VfB Stuttgart

The second half continued at a similar pace with both sides creating chances. Hoeneß introduced Deniz Undav in place of Tiago Tomás early in the half as Stuttgart searched for a winner, while Schmidt responded by bringing on Sirlord Conteh for his brother Christian in the 64th minute - both changes would have a big impact.

As the match entered its final stages, Heidenheim took the lead once more in when S. Conteh tapped in from close range after Nübel had saved Ibrahimović's initial effort. The hosts looked set for a crucial victory in their race to beat the drop, but Stuttgart showed their quality when Undav struck a fine equaliser just before the end of normal time. Both teams pushed for a winner in an action-packed finale, but the teams had to ultimately settle for a share of the spoils.

Sirlord Conteh thought he had secured the win for his side, but Deniz Undav had other ideas. - Sebastian Widmann

Man of the Match: Chris Führich

Despite the end result, Führich's performance stood out throughout the 66 minutes he was on the pitch. The Stuttgart winger's early goal set the tone for the match, showcasing his composure in front of goal after winning possession high up the pitch. Throughout his time on the field, Führich was a constant threat with his direct running and creativity, forcing Ramaj into a fine save with a fierce effort.

His intelligent movement and link-up play kept the Heidenheim defence on alert, while his pressing from the front exemplified Stuttgart's proactive approach. Führich's contribution was recognised as he claimed the Man of the Match award with 32 percent of the votes.

Stuttgart players celebrate one of their goals in what was an end-to-end encounter at the Voith-Arena, with both teams sharing six goals in this Bundesliga thriller. - Sebastian Widmann

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 2.53 - Stuttgart 2.29
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim), 35.11 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Eren Dinkçi (Heidenheim), 14.52 percent
Most pressed player: Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Atakan Karazor (Stuttgart), 2.81

Fantasy Heroes: Chris Führich (Stuttgart, 245 Points), Arijon Ibrahimović (Heidenheim, 242 Points), Eren Dinkçi (Heidenheim, 226 Points)

About the clubs

Heidenheim

Voith-Arena

VfB Stuttgart

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