Moritz Jenz equaliser salvages point for Wolfsburg against bottom side Heidenheim
Wolfsburg rescued a point against bottom side Heidenheim as Moritz Jenz's header cancelled out Adrian Beck's opener in a competitive 1-1 draw at the Volkswagen Arena.
Wolfsburg 1-1 HeidenheimGoals: 0-1 Beck 45’+1, 1-1 Jenz 80’ (assist: Eriksen)
Wolfsburg came into this Matchday 18 clash looking to build on their recent improved form under coach Daniel Bauer, having collected ten out of 18 points in their previous seven matches. The hosts were dealt a blow with in-form striker Dženan Pejčinović, who had scored five goals in his last three appearances, ruled out with foot problems.
Mohamed Amoura returned to the starting line-up in his place, while 18-year-old Jan Bürger made his first Bundesliga start. Bottom club Heidenheim arrived in desperate need of points, having lost 11 matches this season – more than any other Bundesliga side – and remained the only team yet to keep a clean sheet.
Beck punishes Wolfsburg before the break
The match began slowly with neither side registering a shot until the 19th minute when Lovro Majer fired wide for Wolfsburg. As the half progressed, both teams created chances, with Majer going close again while Marnon Busch tested Kamil Grabara at the other end.
The Wolfsburg goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 36th minute when Mathias Honsak broke through on goal, but Heidenheim took the lead in first-half stoppage time against the run of play. Adrian Beck was the man to break the deadlock, reacting quickest to fire home from close range after Jan Schöppner's initial effort was blocked.
Jenz powers home the leveller
Wolfsburg made a change at half-time with Kevin Paredes replacing Aaron Zehnter, and the hosts immediately showed greater intent. Bauer's men dominated possession and created several chances, with Christian Eriksen growing in influence.
The Danish midfielder forced a fine save from Diant Ramaj in the 55th minute with a powerful drive. Wolfsburg continued to press forward but struggled to break down a resilient Heidenheim defence, with Ramaj standing firm when called upon.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 80th minute when Jenz rose highest to nod home a header from Eriksen's corner. Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Schöppner forcing a good save from Grabara in injury time, but the points were ultimately shared.
Man of the Match: Adrian Beck
Beck was instrumental for Heidenheim, despite their inability to hold on for all three points. The midfielder showed excellent awareness to pounce on a loose ball in the Wolfsburg box, scoring a crucial goal on the stroke of half-time that gave his side a platform to build on.
Beck's contribution wasn't limited to his goal, as he was involved in several attacking moves and worked tirelessly off the ball before being substituted in the 77th minute. His performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade with 39 percent of the votes, reflecting his impact on proceedings.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Wolfsburg 1.44 - Heidenheim 0.82
Fastest player: Adam Daghim (Wolfsburg), 35.06 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Adrian Beck (Heidenheim), 9 percent
Most pressed player: Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg), 27 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Moritz Jenz (Wolfsburg), 1.03
Fantasy Heroes: Moritz Jenz (Wolfsburg, 480 Points), Christian Eriksen (Wolfsburg, 253 Points), Konstantinos Koulierakis (Wolfsburg, 239 Points)
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