After conceding a late goal, 1. FC Heidenheim missed out on third place in the 2nd Bundesliga table. The team coached by Frank Schmidt only drew 1-1 (1-0) at newly promoted FC Magdeburg and remains in fourth place with 24 points, three points ahead of pursuers Hannover 96.
Denis Thomalla’s opening goal (23′) was equalized by Tatsuya Ito (90’+3′) and thus not only prevented Heidenheim’s triumph, but also secured an important point for Magdeburg in the relegation battle. Coach Christian Titz’s team is still in 15th place with 14 points.
Heidenheim gave the hosts complete control in front of 19,352 spectators and defended resolutely. The guests used mistakes made by Magdeburg’s back line several times to finish off with quick counterattacks. Patrick Mainka (8th) and Tim Kleindienst (18th) had good chances to take the lead early on. The Magdeburgers could not capitalize on the many ball possessions, shot attempts were blocked again and again.
Titz had bet on the eleven that had recently won 3-2 at HSV. The hosts tried to put pressure on from the start, but weren’t forceful enough.
Instead, the Heidenheimers used one of their numerous counterattacks. After a cross by Jan-Niklas Beste, Thomalla was served by Kleindienst and finished effortlessly. Shortly before the final whistle, Ito struck for Magdeburg.