First missed a penalty, then conceded a header and a long-range shot. VfB Stuttgart lost the Swabian duel in the Bundesliga against 1. FC Heidenheim 0-2 (0-0).
Jan Schöppner (70th minute) and Tim Kleindienst (90th minute) scored for the promoted team, who had previously suffered four competitive defeats in a row and were eliminated from the DFB Cup. VfB remains third in the table, but lost a bit of contact with the top. Silas missed a great chance to take the lead for Stuttgart with a penalty kick (57th minute).
It was wet, cold and at times windy on the Ostalb, but both teams didn’t deliver the appropriate fighting game. The game was quite respectable. There were three hits on the crossbar in the sometimes turbulent first half alone.
VfB, who were missing midfield talent Enzo Millot for personal reasons and defender Pascal Stenzel due to a thigh problem, had more possession of the ball and had their first big chance through Silas. The offensive player had already passed FCH keeper Kevin Müller on a counterattack before Bundesliga debutant Benedikt Gimber prevented him from finishing at the last moment (7th).
Heidenheim is always dangerous at set pieces
The people of Heidenheim gradually became more confident. Set piece specialist Jan-Niklas Beste repeatedly caused danger, especially with stationary balls. Schöppner (17th) and Gimber (43rd) each hit the crossbar with their heads. In between, Stuttgart’s captain and defense chief Waldemar Anton had to save several times in dire need. Once VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel made a strong save against Heidenheim’s top scorer Kleindienst (33′).
A few minutes before the break, the guests also had two good opportunities. Angelo Stiller flicked a free kick onto the crossbar (38th), striker Deniz Undav chased the ball over the box from a promising position (39th).
Even after the break, things continued well. VfB were awarded a penalty for a foul by Patrick Mainka on Anton, but Silas missed the huge opportunity and shot over the goal. As a result, the 25-year-old could see how much he was struggling with his missed shot. Visiting coach Sebastian Hoeneß finally took him off the field and brought on Jamie Leweling.
Corner from Beste makes it 1-0
Shortly before, the Heidenheim team took the lead. Again a corner from Beste flew dangerously into the penalty area – and this time Schöppner was lucky with his finish. The 24-year-old hit the left corner with a header. The Stuttgart team then tried to equalize, but hardly had any really compelling chances.
It wasn’t until stoppage time that VfB pressed for the equalizer again, but substitute Luca Raimund only pushed the ball onto the crossbar of the FCH goal from a few meters. Then Kleindienst came and scored from the center circle to make the final score 2-0 and the stadium danced.
