Meet Keller & Siersleben
© Imago
Thanks to Tim Siersleben in the Bundesliga, 1. FC Heidenheim can dream of moving into the round of 16 in the Conference League. Shortly before the end, the defender scored the acclaimed 2-1 (0: 1) goal in the playoff first leg at FC Copenhagen. The plan has also started to collect confidence for the relegation battle. This continues on Sunday (7:30 p.m./DAZN) with the difficult home game against the European Cup candidate FSV Mainz 05.
“We don’t give off a game,” captain Patrick Mainka had explained in advance and hoped that the Heidenheimers in the parking stadium can “create the momentum” after four league defeats. But at first they did not succeed. The Copenhageners were still superior in the first half, but had to wait for the lead by Jordan Larsson until after -night. Rodrigo Huescas’ attempt on the crossbar only lacked in centimeters (21st). The guests only became stronger after the restart and rewarded themselves for their increase in performance by Thomas Keller (59th) and the advanced Siersleben (85th)
If the Heidenheimers prevail in the duel with the Danish record champion thanks to this starting point, after the second leg on Thursday (6:45 p.m.) you face a reunion with Chelsea. Already in the league they met the Londoners (0: 2). Vitória Guimarães could also wait as an opponent in the target next round.
The hosts, although they only ended their winter break with the game against the FCH, showed themselves to be passable. The first chance also went to the Copenhagener account. Frank Feller steered a header from Huescas on the crossbar. But Heidenheim also found a little better in. Marvin Pieringer failed due to the former Heidenheim youth goalkeeper Diant Ramaj (24th). The guests held against it for a long time, but then went into the cabin with a gap. The former Schalke Larsson stole in the center and scored the deserved 1-0.
After the change of sides, Ramaj got more to do. The goalkeeper parried against Leonardo Scienza and Sirlord Conteh (51./53.) The goalkeeper parried against Leonardo Scienza and Sirlord, who was committed to Copenhagen during the winter break and was awarded to Copenhagen. It got a little heated now. Paul Wanner missed the lead goal in the second half, in which the guests hardly allowed anything. But then Siersleben turned the game and had the Heidenheimers cheered.