Incredible relegation thriller: Heidenheim and Elversberg draw 2-2!

Incredible relegation thriller: Heidenheim and Elversberg draw 2-2!

On May 23, 2025, the relegation first leg between 1. FC Heidenheim and SV Elversberg ended in a 2-2 draw after an exciting duel. Coach Frank Schmidt from 1. FC Heidenheim described the game as a “mad game”, while his colleague Horst Steffen from Elversberg experienced a “back and forth”. The second leg, which will take place next Monday at 8:30 p.m., promises maximum excitement for both teams.

In the first part of the relegation, Elversberg initially took a 2-0 lead before Heidenheim was able to turn things around. Elversberg's goals were scored by Asllani and Petkov, while Honsak was able to equalize for Heidenheim with a goal. The hosts from Heidenheim became more active in the second half and had several chances, including a shot from Zivzivadze that missed the goal. In the end, Heidenheim was closer to victory, but was faced with Elversberg's effective defensive style of play. The first leg was officiated by referee Sven Jablonski and there was three minutes of added time.

Preparation for the second leg

The starting position for the second leg is promising. Despite the wasted 2-0 lead, Steffen was “very happy” with the situation. He emphasized that it is “starting from scratch again” and the dream of promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time is still possible. Psychological aspects could play a decisive role on Monday, as Heidenheim hopes for a positive result in the direct comparison. Schmidt was optimistic about his team's performance.

The team from Elversberg, whose stadium is currently under construction, creates special challenges with a changing area in containers. But the solidarity and determination of the players seem unbroken. Midfielder Semih Sahin said that “significantly more was possible” and criticized the style of play after the equalizer, which the team could see as further incentive for the second leg.

The importance of changing coaches

In another part of the Bundesliga, teams are racing to finish the season successfully. Union Berlin has hired Jene Nenad Bjelica as their new head coach, which is directly related to the challenges of the relegation battle. Sports psychologist René Paasch explains that coaching changes can often cause the so-called “honeymoon effect,” meaning that players are often more motivated and perform better under a new coach. However, the success of a coaching change depends on various factors, including acceptance by the team. RBB24

Bjelica, who brings international experience, must now find the right balance between inspiring the team and developing his own style. Realistic expectations are crucial to gaining players' trust and using small successes in training to increase self-confidence. Kicker

The relegation game between Heidenheim and Elversberg not only represents the fight for a place in the Bundesliga, but also the ongoing high tension surrounding football in Germany. It will be seen on Monday whether Heidenheim will succeed in securing promotion to the league.