Pieringer penalty secures Heidenheim win at Wolfsburg | OneFootball

Marvin Pieringer penalty propels Heidenheim to crucial victory over Wolfsburg

Heidenheim secured a crucial 1-0 away win against Wolfsburg in what was Frank Schmidt's 700th game in charge of the visitors, with Marvin Pieringer's first-half penalty helping to propel FCH above fellow strugglers Bochum in the lower reaches of the standings.

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Wolfsburg 0-1 HeidenheimGoals: 0-1 Pieringer (pen.) 16’

The away side executed a perfect game plan to frustrate their European-chasing hosts. Wolfsburg, coming off a 1-0 defeat against Augsburg, were looking to bounce back and keep their continental ambitions alive. Heidenheim, meanwhile, entered the game buoyed by their recent 3-1 win over Holstein Kiel, which had lifted them off the bottom of the table.

Pieringer picked up a head injury prior to putting Heidenheim in front. (IMAGO/Franziska Gora)

Pieringer breaks the deadlock

The match's defining moment came early when Pieringer was brought down in the box by Joakim Mæhle in the 16th minute. The Heidenheim striker stepped up to take the penalty himself, converting it to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The hosts' frustration grew as they struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their territorial advantage. Heidenheim's resolute defending, led by Patrick Mainka, kept the Wolves at bay, forcing them into speculative long-range efforts. To make matter worse for Ralph Hasenhüttl's men, Konstantinos Koulierakis picked up an injury and had to be replaced in the 26th minute.

Tiago Tomás (l.) of Wolfsburg attempts to break through Heidenheim's defence. (IMAGO/Franziska Gora)

Wolfsburg's fruitless dominance

The second half saw Wolfsburg intensify their efforts to find an equaliser. The home team made several changes, bringing on Jonas Wind and Lukas Nmecha to bolster the attack. Despite these offensive reinforcements, Heidenheim's well-organised defence held firm. The visitors even had chances to extend their lead on the counter-attack, with Budu Zivzivadze forcing a good save from the Wolfsburg goalkeeper.

As the match entered its final stages, Wolfsburg's desperation grew. Nmecha had two significant chances, with a shot saved in the 77th minute and a header going wide shortly afterwards. In a frantic finale, it was Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Kamil Grabara who produced a stunning save to deny Pieringer his second goal, ensuring Heidenheim held on for a precious victory. With Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and then Stuttgart next up for the visitors here, the three points collected at the Volkswagen Arena can be considered even more valuable.

Player of the Match: Marvin Pieringer

Pieringer was undoubtedly the star of the show for Heidenheim. Not only did he score the decisive penalty, but his overall performance was crucial to his team's victory. Pieringer's ability to hold up play and bring his teammates into the game provided Heidenheim with a vital outlet when under pressure. His work rate was exemplary, constantly harrying the Wolfsburg defence and creating space for his fellow attackers. Even after suffering a head injury in a collision with Sebastiaan Bornauw, Pieringer showed tremendous determination to continue and lead his team to victory.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Wolfsburg 1.41 - Heidenheim 1.27Fastest player: Tiago Tomás (WOB), 33.83 km/hLowest goal probability: 0-1 by Pieringer (HDH), 77 per centMost pressed player: Patrick Wimmer (WOB), 24 times under pressurePass efficiency: Tim Siersleben (HDH), +2.47

Fantasy Heroes: Pieringer (1. FC Heidenheim 1846, 209 Points), Sebastiaan Bornauw (VfL Wolfsburg, 184 Points), Wimmer (VfL Wolfsburg, 165 Points)

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