Relegation-threatened Heidenheim secured a much-needed victory against a disjointed Wolfsburg side that massively bolsters their chances of survival.
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Wolfsburg came into this clash desperate to get back on track after two disappointing results before the international break, while Heidenheim arrived full of confidence following a crucial win over Kiel. Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl had made his stance clear: this was a must-win game for Wolfsburg.
However, their hopes took an early hit as they pressed the self-destruct button in the 14th minute. Joakim Mæhle, struggling to contain the lively Marvin Pieringer, clumsily brought him down inside the box, handing Heidenheim a golden opportunity. Pieringer stepped up a minute later and coolly dispatched the penalty into the bottom left corner. Kamil Grabara got a hand to it, but it wasn’t enough to keep Wolfsburg from falling behind.
With Heidenheim gaining confidence and the disjointed Wolfsburg needing a response, the opening half ended with the scores level.
The hosts continued to chase the game with desperation throughout the second half, however, Heidenheim continued to stand firm on the road while Wolfsburg failed to muster a chance of note.
And as the tension continued, die Wölfe were unable to find an equaliser, losing ground on the European battle; while Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim picked up an unbelievable three points on the road to breathe life into their quest for Bundesliga survival.
