Heidenheim remains in the Bundesliga: dramatic relegation final!

Heidenheim remains in the Bundesliga: dramatic relegation final!

In the dramatic second leg of the Bundesliga relegation on May 28, 2025 between 1. FC Heidenheim and SV Elversberg, Heidenheim secured relegation in the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win. The game was decided in the final minutes when Leonardo Scienza scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. This marks the third consecutive season that Heidenheim plays in Germany's top football league.

The course of the game was characterized by thrilling moments after the first leg had already ended in a 2-2 draw. Heidenheim looked dangerous from the start, and Mathias Honsak scored the first goal in the ninth minute after a precise pass from Scienza. However, SV Elversberg did not allow themselves to be discouraged and equalized in the 31st minute through Robin Fellhauer. Another goal from Elversberg was disallowed for offside in the second half, which significantly influenced the outcome of the game.

Heidenheim's strong finish and the great gesture

The nervousness of both teams was noticeable as each needed a win to be able to play in the Bundesliga next season. Heidenheim proved to be the more dangerous team on the counterattack, especially thanks to the fast Lukas Pinckert and the game intelligence of Scienza, who not only prepared the first goal but was also involved in most of the shots on goal. In the end, Scienza surpassed all other players on the court with a speed of 33.85 km/h.

At the end of the game, captain Patrick Mainka from Heidenheim was recognized for his performance, but he took the time to praise and pay respect to SV Elversberg's performance. Mainka, whose gesture reminded many fans of the appearance of Stuttgart professional Nick Woltemade, emphasized the fighting spirit of the losing team.

Statistics and game analysis

Statistically, Heidenheim was the more efficient team, which is reflected in the xGoals: Elversberg scored 0.75 xGoals compared to Heidenheim's 1.39. Muhammed Damar and other Heidenheim players were able to demonstrate the best possible passing efficiency. The defense also had a decisive influence, especially in the last minutes of stoppage time, when Heidenheim successfully kept Elversberger's pressure out of their own half.

The relegation showed once again how exciting and unpredictable football can be. With Heidenheim's relegation and the honest fair play of captain Patrick Mainka, the image of this encounter remains a positive highlight in the German football landscape.

For more information about the match statistics and further details on the relegation visit the pages of Bundesliga and Kicker.