The favorite doesn’t have its best day and despairs of the hosts at times. In one scene the VAR intervenes decisively. The Heidenheimers are even scratching their heads at the big sensation.
Borussia Dortmund failed in the race for the Champions League places at the start of the 20th matchday of the Bundesliga. BVB couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against strong newcomers 1. FC Heidenheim and therefore remains fourth in the table for the time being. With a win on Sunday against Union Berlin, pursuers RB Leipzig could now come within one point of the black and yellow team. The bold league newcomer had already wrested a draw (2-2) from Edin Terzić’s team in the first half of the season.
The Heidenheimers surprised Dortmund with their powerful game and also had the better chances over the course of the game. The visitors’ defense was particularly uncertain in the early stages and was lucky that the Swabians were unable to take advantage of the opportunities that arose. BVB were unlucky that a goal from Donyell Malen was canceled due to an offside position (26th).
This is how the game went:
Heidenheim started bravely and pushed Dortmund’s Salih Özcan into a bad pass that had almost serious consequences. However, Tim Kleindienst shot past the empty goal (14th).
For a long time there was little from the guests against Heidenheimer, who defended compactly and were always lurking. They presented themselves without creative ideas and with errors. It was only after 26 minutes that things became dangerous for the first time – and how: Malen took off after a fine pass and shot the ball into the net. However, the video referee took back the supposed 1-0.
Nevertheless: Now BVB’s offensive actions became a little more determined. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the only change from the 3-1 win against VfL Bochum, tested Kevin Müller from a distance. National striker Niclas Füllkrug, who once again formed a double leadership team with Youssoufa Moukoko, also couldn’t find a way past the FCH goalkeeper.
Heidenheim kept putting needle pricks
Malen and Bynoe-Gittens remained the most noticeable Borussia players even after the break. With the first shot, Malen took a corner. The Sancho representative then tried an overhead kick, but Müller was there again (57′).
Terzić reacted and made three substitutions. The game wasn’t any better to watch afterwards either, because the Bundesliga newcomer Heidenheim earned the point within the scope of his possibilities and thanks to his great commitment and repeatedly put the pinpricks himself. In the final phase, keeper Müller proved to be a safe support when a shot from Füllkrug (86′).