Heidenheim set for relegation play-off | OneFootball

Heidenheim's relegation play-off spot confirmed following heavy Werder Bremen defeat

Heidenheim will contest the relegation play-off against the team that finishes third in Bundesliga 2 for the right to play in next season's top tier following a heavy loss to Werder Bremen on the final day of 2024/25.

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Heidenheim 1-4 Werder BremenGoals: 0-1 Schmid (pen.) 14‘, 0-2 Stage 33‘ (assist: Ducksch), 0-3 Ducksch 66‘ (assist: Weiser), 1-3 Kerber 81‘ (assist: Scienza), 1-4 Topp 86‘

As the Bundesliga season drew to a close, Heidenheim faced Bremen in a crucial match that would go some way to determining their fate for next season. The hosts entered the game with slim hopes of avoiding the relegation play-off, while Bremen aimed to end their campaign on a high note. The stage was set for a tense encounter at the Voith-Arena.

The match began as it would go on, with a high tempo, one which Bremen eventually asserted control over. In the 14th minute, Marco Grüll was brought down in the box, and Romano Schmid stepped up to take the penalty. The Austrian midfielder kept his cool, sending Kevin Müller the wrong way to give Bremen a 1-0 lead. This early goal set the tone for what would be a commanding performance from the visitors.

Romano Schmid calmly slots home the penalty to give Bremen the lead. (Alexander Hassenstein)

Visitors double their advantage

Bremen continued to press their advantage, and their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute. Marvin Ducksch delivered a pinpoint corner kick, finding Jens Stage at the far post. He rose highest, powering a header past Müller to double their lead. Heidenheim struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Bremen's defence holding firm. The first half ended with the visitors in control, leaving Heidenheim with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Jens Stage's header dented Heidenheim's confidence before the break, doubling their lead in a half where the hosts struggled to create. (IMAGO/Ralf Brueck)

Heidenheim's second-half surge falls short

Frank Schmidt made four changes at half-time in an attempt to turn the tide, and initially, it seemed to work. Léo Scienza came off the bench and immediately made an impact, hitting the post with a long-range effort. The substitute continued to cause problems for the Bremen defense, injecting much-needed energy into Heidenheim's play. However, Bremen weathered the storm and struck again in the 66th minute. Ducksch, who had been instrumental throughout, received a pass from Mitchell Weiser and fired a powerful shot from outside the box, effectively sealing the win for Bremen.

Late goals add excitement

Heidenheim managed to pull one back in the 80th minute when Luca Kerber headed home from a corner, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope. However, any thoughts of a miraculous comeback were quickly extinguished as Bremen substitute Keke Topp added a fourth goal just six minutes later. Topp showed great composure to find the net, ensuring a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Bremen.

While Heidenheim showed plenty of spirit against Ole Werner's side, they couldn't cut through the Bremen backline, with most of their pressure coming in the form of shots from outside the area. The visitors on the other end consistently capitalised on the fact that they had committed men forward, resulting in a comfortable win for Bremen.

Heidenheim still have a chance of competing in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, but will now need to get through a relegation play-off against a to-be-determined Bundesliga 2 team.

Player of the Match: Marvin Ducksch

Marvin Ducksch was the standout performer in Bremen's impressive victory. The striker was involved in three of his team's four goals, showcasing his all-round attacking prowess. Ducksch provided the assist for Stage's header with a perfectly delivered corner, before scoring a goal of his own with a powerful shot from outside the box. His movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing were instrumental in Bremen's dominant performance, making him the deserved Player of the Match.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Heidenheim 1.67 - Bremen 2.43Fastest player: Felix Agu (SVW), 36.31 km/hLowest goal probability: 2-0 by Jens Stage (SVW), 16.87 percentMost pressed player: Romano Schmid (SVW), 19 times under pressurePass efficiency: Michael Zetterer (SVW), +3.88

Fantasy Heroes: Marvin Ducksch (Werder Bremen, 282 Points), Michael Zetterer (Werder Bremen, 277 Points), Romano Schmid (Werder Bremen, 269 Points)

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