Despite taking an early lead, 1. FC Heidenheim almost gave it away against Holstein Kiel. In the end, the FCH beat the Störche 2:1 – and a dream goal.
From the start, Heidenheim left no doubt what to expect from the Störche on the Ostalb. FCH, starting with Geipl, Schöppner, Pick and Kühlwetter instead of Föhrenbach, Burnic, Leipertz (all on the bench) and Thomalla (injured) after the 0:2 in Aue, pressed early and looked for finishes – and before Holstein could really react, Kühlwetter scored precisely after Mainka’s high ball win (1st).
Kiel, compared to the 2:1 against Dresden with Thesker and Reese for the injured Lorenz and Skrzybski in the starting eleven, first had to collect themselves. However, the Heidenheim pressing meant that the visitors repeatedly played wildly incorrect passes. And whenever FCH (sometimes only one third of the ball) was able to switch, it was dangerous: Kleindienst could have made it 2-0 twice with his head (12th, 17th).
Bartels scores with the first finish
The home side were in control, leading by a large margin. But despite several invitations, they did not add to their lead, for example Kühlwetter after Wahl’s mistake (20.). Kiel equalised with their first goal after a neat transfer, Busch deflected Bartels’ shot decisively (30th).
The equaliser opened up the game. Mohr put a cheeky lob on the crossbar (36.), for the Storks the quick Reese turned up the heat. The left winger was on the verge of turning the game around, but could not overcome keeper Müller (34th, 43rd).
Mainka on the line
A tendency that continued after the break. The game was even, but Kiel was the more dangerous team. Mainka even had to straddle Mühling’s finish off the line (47th). FCH, still active, found it much more difficult in the final third.
After an hour, the Störche had completely taken control – and ensured that Heidenheim could not switch. For a long time, however, Kiel did not create any good finishes, acting too imprecisely.
In the final phase, Heidenheim came back – and the action picked up again. Joker Schimmer demanded a brilliant save from Dähne with a volley (83rd), and two minutes later the goalkeeper was powerless against Leipertz’s long-range hammer (85th).
For the FCH, who took a step out of the results crisis and are stalking the top of the table, the next game is already on Friday at Fortuna Düsseldorf. Kiel, who were looking for a second equaliser in vain and have slipped down to 16th place, welcome Werder Bremen the following day.
