Heidenheim's Two-Minute Demolition: A Six-Pointer Turns on Its Head

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 64/100. A relegation-battle six-pointer became a masterclass in substitute impact when Heidenheim struck twice in stoppage time, snatching an unlikely 2-1 victory from Union Berlin's grasp at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Union's Early Promise Crumbles

Union Berlin dominated the narrative for 89 minutes. R. Khedira's 43rd-minute finish—a clinical strike from I. Ansah's assist—sent the home crowd into raptures. The Intensity was there: Union pressed, harried, and controlled stretches of play despite Heidenheim's superior possession (57%). Christopher Trimmel orchestrated three key passes, threading balls into dangerous areas, yet Union's attack lacked the final sniper's touch. With only two shots on target from nine attempts, the xG of 0.97 suggested profligacy would cost them.

The Substitute Tsunami

Then came the pivot. Heidenheim's 57th-minute double substitution—Jan Schöppner and Stefan Schimmer introduced fresh legs and sharper positioning—tilted the Balance irreversibly. What followed was chaos distilled into precision. In the 90th minute, Schimmer latched onto O. H. Traore's assist to level at 1-1. Before Union could process the shock, Schöppner pounced on A. Ibrahimovic's lay-off to seal a 2-1 turnaround. Three lead changes. Two goals in 60 seconds. A comeback that defied the script.

The Data Doesn't Lie—But It Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Heidenheim's xG (0.59) was nearly half Union's, yet they converted with ruthless efficiency. Union's 72% pass accuracy (237 of 330) proved sterile; Heidenheim's 76% (345 of 451) was purposeful. Set-piece pressure—ten corners combined—created opportunities, but only Heidenheim's subs had the composure to finish. Union's three yellow cards betrayed growing desperation in the final phase. The Stakes were always high in this relegation dogfight, but Heidenheim's late-game execution transformed a potential turning point into a disaster.