Heidenheim Snatches Last-Minute 2:1 Victory Over Union Berlin to Boost Bundesliga Survival Chances

In a gripping Bundesliga relegation battle, 1. FC Heidenheim secured a dramatic 2:1 comeback win against Union Berlin at the Alte Försterei stadium. The victory was sealed in stoppage time, with Jan Schöppner heading home the decisive goal to lift Heidenheim off the bottom of the league table.

Union Berlin took the lead in the first half through Rani Khedira, who netted his third goal of the season with a powerful strike. Despite this initial advantage, Union Berlin was unable to hold on, as Heidenheim rallied late on. Stefan Schimmer equalized in the 90th minute following a precise pass from Ibrahim Traore. Just moments later, in the 90+5 minute, Schöppner scored from a corner delivered by Arijon Ibrahimovic, completing the stunning turnaround.

This victory marked Heidenheim’s second win of the Bundesliga season, their first after a seven-match winless run, and saw them climb temporarily out of the bottom spot to the relegation playoff position with eight points. The hard-fought result extended Union Berlin’s poor record against Heidenheim, as they remain winless in their last 11 competitive meetings.

Heidenheim’s coach Frank Schmidt expressed his relief, saying, "Very relieving, that's clear in our situation and with the course of the game," praising his team's perseverance. Club president Holger Sanwald described the three points as "gold worth," emphasizing the significance of the win. On the other hand, Union’s Rani Khedira called the defeat a "bitter pill to swallow," sharing the frustration felt by his side.

Looking ahead, Sanwald highlighted the importance of building on this momentum as Heidenheim prepares for their next fixture against Freiburg. The match was officiated by referee Patrick Ittrich.