FCH missed connection to TSG
© Imago
Led by starting eleven returnees Jonathan Burkardt, the 1st FSV Mainz 05 has jumped to a European Cupplatz and further tightened the crisis of 1. FC Heidenheim. At 2-0 (1-0) on the Ostalb, national striker Burkardt stood out as a goal scorer and preparer for the Mainz, who climbed in sixth place.
Burkardt, who gave a comeback from the intercourse bank at the goalless draw against FC Augsburg last weekend, played again for the first time after his thigh injury. With his 13th goal of the season in the Bundesliga (29th minute) and the flank for Nelson Weiper’s header (49th), he underlined how important he is for the Rheinhessen. The Mainz coach Bo Henriksen stopped their away misery after three defeats abroad.
The Heidenheimers did not manage to convert the swing from the surprising 2-1 in the Conference League at FC Copenhagen into points in the relegation battle. Your situation in the table cellar and on the relegation rank is becoming increasingly threatening. Because Hoffenheim won in Bremen, the distance grew to the non -relegation zone to seven points. Bochum also moved as a table-17. With the success against Dortmund onto points.
Even before the game, the Heidenheimers were in the fan block and thanked them for their loyalty. “The fans gave the message that they believe in the team that they support them and that everyone understands them, it only works together,” explained FCH coach Frank Schmidt at DAZN. The hosts started a little better and tried for control. Only after a quarter of an hour did the Mainz come into play better. However, a lot of things took place between the penalty areas. On both sides there was a long time lacking clear chances and the necessary precision in the combination game.
After a counterattack on winter newcomers, Budu ZivziVadze made Mathias Honsak the first noteworthy Heidenheim goal closing (25th). Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner was also challenged at the long -range shot of Heidenheim’s captain Patrick Maina after the following corner.
With eight changes in the starting eleven compared to the appearance in Copenhagen, Schmidt wanted to ensure freshness on the offensive and stability on the defensive. Only the defense trio with Mainka and the goal scorer Tim Siersleben in the Danish capital and Thomas Keller played again from the start. The Heidenheim defensive was quite safe for an hour. But then Burkardt struck. The 24-year-old pressed the cross from Anthony Caci across the line.
In Copenhagen in the Conference League, the Heidenheimers had succeeded in the turn in half two after a break gap. So you have developed a good starting point for the possible achievement of the round of 16 in the second leg on Thursday.
Against the Mainz, they had to digest the second goal early after Burkardt prepared in the trap for Weiper by flank. After a good hour, his effort was ended at the end of this 22nd game day. His team had already subsided. But the Heidenheimers also no longer succeeded in the connections of Honsak and the substitute Marvin Pieringer (74./89.).