Kaiserslautern and Heidenheim gave nothing in their duel.
Image: dpa
After a 2-0 lead, Heidenheim already looks like the winner of the top game in the second Bundesliga. Then the top scorer misses a penalty – and Kaiserslautern revs up in the closing stages.
1. FC Heidenheim carelessly gave away two points in the promotion race of the second Bundesliga. Coach Frank Schmidt’s team had to settle for a 2-2 (0-0) lead at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, despite a 2-0 lead, and are still only one point up despite going seven games without a defeat the Hamburger SV on the relegation place.
Scorer Tim Kleindienst (53rd minute) and Florian Pick (75th) scored for the guests. Kleindienst put a penalty kick on the post (90 + 2). That should take revenge: Nicolas de Preville (90′ + 3) and Philipp Hercher (90′ + 5) snatched the three-pointer from Heidenheim that was believed to be safe.
In front of 41,543 spectators, a fighting game developed from the start, but both teams lacked a clear playful line. Many interruptions also hampered the flow. There weren’t any great chances to score in the first half.
The Red Devils started the second round powerfully. Aaron Opoku missed from a good position (47th). The guests took the lead surprisingly, Kleindienst scored his 20th goal of the season with a low shot.
The goal gave Heidenheim a boost. They now kept the action away from their own goal. The former Lauterer pick then increased from a distance, which is worth seeing. But Kaiserslautern fought back late.
