Pure drama: Heidenheim and Elversberg draw 2-2 in the relegation first leg!

Pure drama: Heidenheim and Elversberg draw 2-2 in the relegation first leg!

In the exciting first leg of the Bundesliga relegation on May 23, 2025 between 1. FC Heidenheim and the SV Elversberg There was an instructive and dramatic 2-2 draw. Both clubs, which do not have much tradition in the Bundesliga, proved that success cannot only be measured by high salaries and transfer expenses.

After Heidenheim, led by coach Frank Schmidt, who has been in office since 2007, was down 2-0 in the first half, the team showed a remarkable improvement in performance in the second half. Elversberg, coached by Horst Steffen since 2018, started strong and took the lead through Lukas Petkov in the 18th minute. Fisnik Asllani scored 0-2 for the guests shortly before the half-time whistle.

Exciting gameplay and lasting success

Heidenheim started the game in the stadium with ambition, but Niklas Dorsch was denied by the opposing goalkeeper in the first minute. After a failed VAR operation for Heidenheim, who missed a goal in stoppage time in the first half, the game seemed lost for the hosts. But coach Schmidt's substitutes Paul Wanner and Leonardo Scienza provided a breath of fresh air and Heidenheim fought back in the second half. Tim Siersleben scored in the 62nd minute, followed by Mathias Honsak, who equalized just three minutes later.

This comment reinforces the ideal of long-termism in the coaching environment: While other clubs frequently change their coach, Heidenheim and Elversberg have remarkable stability, which is reflected in successful team building. Key factors such as sustainable squad planning show that even traditional clubs can survive in football without large financial reserves.

Outlook for the second leg

The second leg takes place next Monday and expectations are high. Historically, the first division teams have prevailed in 13 of the last 16 relegation duels. But the starting position couldn't be more exciting, and it remains to be seen which of the two teams will make it to the Bundesliga. According to the DFL, the relegation games will take place in the knockout system, with a second leg that could go into extra time in the event of a draw after the first and second leg. A penalty shootout could ultimately bring a decisive victory.

The coming days will be crucial, not only for the clubs affected, but also for the fans and the entire traditional spirit of German football. This relegation shows that even in a league in which financial resources are often considered the measure of all things, what ultimately counts is the will to succeed and the team's performance.

This relegation battle confirms the balance between tradition and modern football. The DFL emphasizes that relegation games are not just about promotion and relegation, but also about the dignity of the respective clubs and their identity in the German football landscape.