Union Berlin lose at home to Heidenheim in the Bundesliga
Heidenheim initially appeared ice-cold, scoring with their first two shots on goal. Beck sealed the decisive away victory at Union Berlin with his second goal of the game in the second half.
With their league status assured, Union Berlin awaited their visitors from Heidenheim, who were still in the midst of a relegation battle. After a very cautious opening phase, FCH took the lead with their first dangerous attack: Schöppner’s cross after a fine diagonal pass from Siersleben was laid off by Pieringer for the advancing Beck, who slotted home the 1-0 lead (12′).
Feller prevents equalization
For Köpenick, Benes, who had replaced Schäfer in the 2-2 draw against Bremen, attempted a quick response but missed (15′). Shortly afterward, Feller, who was in goal after Müller’s collision, just like in the 0-0 draw in Bochum , had to intervene for the first – and, in anticipation, only – time in the first half: Trimmel’s hammer shot was deflected by the 21-year-old for a corner (19′).
Otherwise, his forwards offered very little. With Dorsch (returning from suspension) and Wanner in the starting eleven – Busch and Scienza remained out – Heidenheim put in a solid performance until halftime. However, very little went forward, apart from the goal, which remained the visitors’ only shot on target. Union only managed a harmless Ilic header on the 41st minute.
As in the first half, Benes had the first attempt for Union after the break, but the 27-year-old missed again (50′).
Beck on the spot again – VAR concedes goal
The visitors from Ostalb continued to show their cool. Beck missed the target shortly after Benes’ chance (50th minute), but his second shot on goal was on target again: Schöppner caught Vogt off guard after a Pieringer extension and slotted home to make it 2-0 (56th minute).
Berlin’s immediate response prevented Hollerbach from being offside, so the VAR canceled Haberer’s beautiful long-range shot that would have supposedly made it one goal back (58′).
After just over an hour, Steffen Baumgart reacted and switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, bringing on Juranovic, Preu, and Skarke. However, the Irons didn’t pose much more of an attacking threat. Only a harmless attempt by Hollerbach flew toward, but ultimately just wide of, the Heidenheim goal (65′).
Beck on the decision
FCH, on the other hand, turned things around. First, Rönnow prevented Mainka from making it 3-0 with a powerful reflex save (70th minute), then Pieringer hit the side netting (72nd minute). Ultimately, however, the visitors’ third goal was only postponed, as Beck was on hand for the second time of the afternoon shortly after (73rd minute).
That was the deciding factor, and Pieringer almost made it 4-0 (78th minute), but Rönnow pulled one last punch. Because Kiel (1-2 against Freiburg) and Bochum (1-4 against Mainz) lost and were relegated in the parallel games, FCH has already secured at least a relegation spot.
For Union, a streak of eight games without defeat ended – the club record remains the nine games without defeat from the 2020/21 season.
On the last matchday, Heidenheim will face Bremen, while Union will end the season against FC Augsburg.
