Heidenheim and Stuttgart share six goals in a thrilling draw at Voith-Arena.
A pulsating Bundesliga clash saw 1. FC Heidenheim snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw against VfB Stuttgart. Deniz Undav netted a late equalizer for Stuttgart, denying Heidenheim a vital home win. The visitors salvaged a point from a rollercoaster encounter.
Stuttgart arrived fourth in the league, pushing for European qualification. Heidenheim, conversely, sat 18th, desperate for any positive result. Their compact Voith-Arena always presents a tough test for opponents.
The game exploded early. Chris Führich put VfB Stuttgart ahead in the fifth minute. Heidenheim responded quickly, with Eren Dinkçi leveling in the 20th minute, igniting the home crowd.
Stuttgart's Enzo Demirovic had a goal disallowed by VAR in the 31st minute for a foul. Moments later, Heidenheim capitalized. Arijon Ibrahimović converted a penalty in the 34th minute, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.
As halftime approached, Stuttgart pushed for an equalizer. Maximilian Mittelstädt calmly dispatched a penalty in the 45th minute. The teams entered the break locked at 2-2 after a frantic first half.
The break allowed both sides to regroup. Stuttgart aimed for greater possession, while Heidenheim sought to maintain intensity. Both managers looked for tactical adjustments to gain an edge.
The second half saw Stuttgart controlling more of the ball, searching for openings. Heidenheim defended resolutely. Substitutions proved crucial as coaches introduced fresh legs and new attacking options.
Stuttgart again saw a goal disallowed by VAR in the 73rd minute for offside, denying Demirovic. Despite this frustration, Heidenheim struck late. Substitute Sirlord Conteh restored Heidenheim's lead in the 82nd minute.
Just as Heidenheim believed victory was theirs, Stuttgart mounted one final charge. Second-half substitute Deniz Undav drilled home an equalizer in the 88th minute. His late goal rescued a point for the visitors.
Stuttgart enjoyed 66% possession, completing many more passes. Heidenheim, however, matched their attacking threat. Stuttgart recorded 13 shots (8 on target), Heidenheim 10 shots (6 on target). Expected Goals were close: Stuttgart 2.31, Heidenheim 2.04.
This thrilling 3-3 draw keeps Stuttgart fourth in the Bundesliga standings. Heidenheim earns a valuable point, though they remain in the relegation zone. The hosts showed incredible resolve.
