- Heidenheim is rejoicing, while Augsburg faces challenges with the "dismal elbow-meter"
Frank Schmidt gathered his team in a circle of jubilation to share some words of appreciation before their victory march. The crowd was cheering loudly and chanting "Champions, champions". Following a 4-0 (2-0) victory against FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, 1. FC Heidenheim is continuing its astonishing ascent. The team from Ostalb secured their fifth win in their fifth competitive match of the season.
"We've already secured 15% of the points we'll need by the end," stated the usual pragmatist, Schmidt, on DAZN. However, he also appreciated the exhilarating atmosphere in Ostalb: "A massive celebration on Thursday, and again today," he noted, referring to their recent entry into the Conference League. "We deserve to savor this moment too."
Slotterbeck: "Unbelievable"
Meanwhile, FC Augsburg was left discontented over a controversial penalty call. "Unbelievable," grumbled Keven Slotterbeck about his handball, which was ruled by VAR and led to an early goal for Heidenheim. Although he acknowledged some contact, he argued it was just a regular "football action." "Referees can't seem to make the right call anymore. It's just unacceptable and disheartening to concede a goal like this," he lamented.
Slotterbeck was further agitated by a similar incident last week, which didn't result in a penalty for Augsburg, but this time, they fell victim to it. "Two completely different interpretations," he sighed. "We got a ridiculous penalty today, I could've torn the microphone apart."
Wanner: Stronger than ever
Referee Martin Petersen's decision was questionable after seven minutes, as Slotterbeck had touched the ball with his left arm in the penalty area. Paul Wanner stepped up and confidently scored into the bottom right corner (9'). Léo Scienza added another with a powerful shot in the presence of 15,000 spectators (30'). Adrian Beck (69') and Maximilian Breunig (73') followed suit.
Schmidt praised Wanner's performance but emphasized the team's collective effort as crucial. Both Wanner and Scienza were particularly outstanding. Wanner has already netted four goals in competitive matches this season. Last week, the 18-year-old became the youngest Bundesliga goalscorer in the club's history. Now, he's also the youngest player to score a penalty in the German elite league.
Heidenheim leads the table, advanced to the next round in the DFB-Pokal, and qualified for the Conference League group stage, eagerly looking forward to their game against FC Chelsea in late November. Augsburg, meanwhile, suffered a setback after drawing 2:2 with Werder Bremen in their opener.
Slotterbeck's misfortunes continued
The first half was lively, with Augsburg controlling possession and numerous chances to level the score. Slotterbeck's best attempt hit the crossbar (27'). Instead, Heidenheim scored, and Slotterbeck acknowledged their "impressive performance."
Augsburg's substitutions of Marius Wolf and Swiss international Ruben Vargas failed to change the momentum. Instead, Beck, who extended his contract until 2028, sealed the victory. His assist came, of course, from Wanner. Soon after, Breunig added another.
The only downside for the passionate Heidenheim fans: Midfield enforcer Lennard Maloney had to be replaced just before halftime due to back pain.
The victory against FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga propelled 1. FC Heidenheim, hailing from Ostalb, Germany, to their fifth win in five competitive matches of the season. Despite Slotterbeck's controversial handball penalty call, Heidenheim's Paul Wanner, a young German talent, continued his exceptional form, scoring a penalty and becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat in the German elite league.
