STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Relegation-threatened Heidenheim scored in the 89th minute to win at Stuttgart 1-0 on Friday and grab a vital three points in its fight to avoid the Bundesliga drop. The result closed the gap to five points between Heidenheim and Hoffenheim, in the safe fourth-from-bottom position. The third-to-last team goes into a playoff to preserve its Bundesliga status.
Mathias Honsak got the winner with a superb curling shot from outside the box to condemn Stuttgart to a sixth consecutive home defeat. Stuttgart had most of the chances but could not score and it will rue missing a chance to bolster its hopes of a top-six finish. It remained 11th.
It could still qualify for Europe by beating third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in next month’s German Cup final. Stuttgart’s season highlight is still to come, however, with the cup final against third-division side Arminia Bielefeld on May 24, 2025.
The match took place at the MHP Arena and marked the 31st round of the Bundesliga. Stuttgart entered the game hoping to secure a win that could solidify their European qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Heidenheim was desperate for points in their battle against relegation.
The first half was a tactical stalemate, with Stuttgart dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Heidenheim defense. Kevin Müller in the Heidenheim goal was called into action early, making a crucial save from Ermedin Demirović in the 30th minute. The visitors, while content to sit back, showed flashes of danger on the counter-attack, with Adrian Beck coming close to breaking the deadlock.
As the second half unfolded, Stuttgart increased the pressure on Heidenheim’s goal. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß made attacking changes, bringing on Nick Woltemade for Leonidas Stergiou in the 53rd minute, followed by Jamie Leweling replacing Fabian Rieder in the 70th minute. The substitutions nearly paid off as Stuttgart twice hit the woodwork in quick succession.
In the 81st minute, Woltemade’s clever chip beat Müller but struck the crossbar. Just three minutes later, Deniz Undav’s header from a corner hit the post, leaving the home fans in disbelief. It seemed as if the match was heading for a goalless draw when Heidenheim struck a devastating blow to Stuttgart’s hopes.
In the 89th minute, substitute Honsak, who had come on for Marvin Pieringer in the 79th minute, received the ball on the edge of the area, cut inside, and curled a beautiful shot beyond Alexander Nübel into the far corner. The goal, coming against the run of play, stunned the home crowd and sent the Heidenheim bench into raptures.
Despite four minutes of added time, Stuttgart couldn’t find an equalizer, and Heidenheim held on for a crucial 1-0 victory. Player of the Match, Kevin Müller, was instrumental in keeping his team in the game. He made several crucial saves throughout the match, most notably denying Demirović in the first half and commanding his area with confidence as Stuttgart piled on the pressure.
Stuttgart’s struggles at home have been evident, as this defeat marked their sixth consecutive loss in front of their own crowd. They have taken just six points from their last ten games, raising concerns about their ability to compete for European qualification.
Looking ahead, Stuttgart faces a critical moment in their season with the upcoming German Cup final against Arminia Bielefeld. While their league form has been disappointing, a strong performance in the cup could provide a much-needed boost and a chance for European competition next season.
As it stands, Stuttgart is currently in 11th place in the Bundesliga standings and could slip to 12th if Wolfsburg wins against Freiburg on Saturday. Meanwhile, Heidenheim’s victory is a significant boost for their survival hopes, as they closed the gap to five points with Hoffenheim.
With the Bundesliga season winding down, every match is crucial for teams battling relegation and those vying for European spots. The tension is palpable as clubs prepare for the final stretch, and Stuttgart will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season.
In summary, Heidenheim’s late heroics have added a new layer of excitement to the relegation battle, while Stuttgart’s struggles at home raise questions about their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. As the league approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Stuttgart’s upcoming cup final, which could define their season.
