On the 27th matchday of the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen and Heidenheim faced off on Saturday at the Voith Arena, resulting in an exhilarating 3-3 draw. Heidenheim left the pitch with a sense of disappointment after momentarily leading the match, only to see their opponent stage a comeback.
Bayer Leverkusen opened the scoring with Malik Tillman at the 22nd minute, followed by Patrik Schick’s goals at the 35th minute of the first half and the 34th minute of the second half. However, Heidenheim responded with goals from Hennes Behrens (56’) and Marvin Pieringer, who netted two goals—including a penalty at the 71st minute and another at the 80th minute—to secure a hard-fought draw.
Marvin Pieringer was undoubtedly the star of the match for Heidenheim, netting two vital goals and posing a constant threat to the opposing defense.
Patrik Schick also shone brightly for Bayer Leverkusen, contributing with two goals and demonstrating his striking capabilities throughout the match.
Heidenheim’s coach, Frank Schmidt, opted for a 4-3-3 formation featuring Diant Ramaj in goal, and a defensive line composed of Marnon Busch, Patrick Mainka, Benedikt Gimber, and Hennes Behrens. The midfield included Luca Kerber, Jan Schöppner, and Niklas Dorsch, while Eren Dinkci, Budu Zivzivadze, and Christian Conteh led the attack.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, under the guidance of Kasper Hjulmand, deployed a 3-5-2 setup with Mark Flekken as goalkeeper. The defensive trio comprised Ernest Poku, Jarell Quansah, and Alejandro Grimaldo, while Robert Andrich, Exequiel Palacios, Aleix García, Ibrahim Maza, and Montrell Culbreath commanded the midfield. Up front, Patrik Schick teamed up with Malik Tillman.
The officiating duties were carried out by referee Benjamin Brand.
Looking ahead, Heidenheim will next face Borussia Mönchengladbach away from home, while Bayer Leverkusen will host Wolfsburg. This draw leaves Heidenheim at 15 points, languishing in 18th place, while Leverkusen remains in 6th place with 46 points.
Heidenheim substitutions
65’ – Christian Conteh was replaced by Sirlord Conteh, and Luca Kerber made way for Marvin Pieringer.
84’ – Niklas Dorsch was substituted by Adrian Beck.
Heidenheim bookings:
Jan Schöppner (25’ 1T), Luca Kerber (59’ 2T), Adrian Beck (90’ 2T), Marnon Busch (51’ 2T).
Bayer Leverkusen substitutions
45’ – Ernest Poku for Martin Terrier, Jan Schöppner for Julian Niehues, Benedikt Gimber for Jonas Fohrenbach.
54’ – Martin Terrier off for Nathan Tella.
82’ – Aleix García replaced by Ezequiel Fernández and Malik Tillman for Tim Oermann.
87’ – Robert Andrich substituted by Christian Kofane.
Bayer Leverkusen bookings:
Patrik Schick (39’ 1T), Aleix García (74’ 2T), Ibrahim Maza (78’ 2T), Jarell Quansah (84’ 2T).