Both teams most recently scored in the relegation battle, now they meet in the direct duel: the bottom of the Hintidenheim awaits the penultimate from Kiel – and is under great pressure.
Everything is prepared for the basement duel. “We showed that we live”said Heidenheim’s Niklas Dorsch after the 1-1 at TSG Hoffenheim last weekend, with whom the team at least cushioned the free fall after a week. And Holstein Kiel remained unbeaten for the first time this season in two games against VfB Stuttgart.
Both teams scored before the “Abstegs summit” on Sunday in Heidenheim (from 5:30 p.m. on the radio report and in the live ticker at Sportschau). However, this used little, because the direct competitors from Bochum and Berlin as well as from FC St. Pauli were not idle. So the duel between 1. FC Heidenheim and Holstein Kiel remains that of the last against the penultimate – more relegation battle is not possible.
Hopes rest on Zivzivadze and Skrzybski
In the Heidenheimers, hopes for winter access Budu ZivziVadze are suspended. The Georgian was the top goal scorer of the 2nd Bundesliga in the first half of the season in the jersey of the Karlsruher SC. In Hoffenheim he also met for his new club for the first time. Of course, everyone now hopes that the knot at Zivzivadze has burst.
However, the Kielers have a man in their ranks who currently meet at will. In the recent five games, Steven Skrzybski scored the opposing goal six times and made six goals – that is outrageously efficient. Most recently against Stuttgart, he even put together a double pack.
Warm floors for the basement duel
In the game against the Swabians, the “storks” were well offensive anyway. The KSV gave up 17 shots – new club best in the Bundesliga. Heidenheim even scored 22 times in Hoffenheim. Also the one for the FCH a new best value in his Bundesliga history. So it seems that they have already warm both teams for the basement duel.
Historical victory in the first leg
Kiel has the better memories of the first leg – if not the best. Because in the first round, the KSV celebrated its first victory in the Bundesliga against Heidenheim and also came to the historically first home points. On the 9th matchday it was Patrick Erras who scored in the 28th minute for the golden 1-0 for the “storks”. Kiel stayed in this game for the first time in the Bundesliga without conceding a goal.
Kiel can pull away
The starting point is clear, the opponents only separate one point. With a win in Heidenheim, the Kielers could pull away from the 1. FC to four points in the table. For the hosts, it is therefore said that losing is prohibited, the pressure lies with you. In the event of a defeat, the “storks” would again take over the “red lantern” from the Heidenheimers.
Gimber: “Know what the hour did”
“We know about the importance of the game, we look forward to it and want to take advantage of the opportunity to take us”said Kiel coach Marcel Rapp. “We showed in Berlin and against Stuttgart how well we can play football. We are in a good shape and confidently go into the game in Heidenheim”defender David Zec also said.
The Heidenheimers are also ready. “We know what the hour did”said defender Benedikt Gimber: “We have to get points. Now Kiel comes – it is clear what our job is.” So everything is prepared for the basement duel.