- Heidenheim starts the European Cup journey in its initial stage.
FC Heidenheim secures a slim triumph in its inaugural European Cup outing, boosting its prospects of progressing to the Conference League group stage. The Swabian Bundesliga club edged past previous Swedish champions BK Häcken in the playoff first leg, 2:1 (1:1).
New acquisitions Sirlord Conteh (31st minute) and Leonardo Scienza (65th) netted the two goals for FCH during its groundbreaking international outing. Mikkel Rygaard (36th) levelled the score for the hosts. The reverse fixture will be held forthnightly on the Ostalb. Prior to that, Heidenheim kicks off its new Bundesliga season against promoted FC St. Pauli on the previous Sunday (5:15 PM/DAZN).
Schmidt changes tactics - Conteh strikes first
FC Heidenheim's manager Frank Schmidt opted for an unexpected formation. Only team captain Patrick Mainka and striker Scienza retained their positions following the 4:0 victory over FC 08 Villingen in the DFB-Pokal. Initially, the visitors found it difficult to adapt to the artificial surface on which Häcken plays its home matches. Both Mikkel Kaufmann and Mathias Honsak wasted opportunities in promising areas on a wet pitch.
Half an hour into the game, recently joined Conteh from Paderborn capitalized on a massive Swedish defensive blunder to score FCH's first ever European Cup goal. Shortly afterwards, Rygaard bagged the equalizer with a precise finish.
Scienza's wicked shot seals the deal
Ten minutes into the second half, Layouni of Häcken squandered a significant opportunity, afterwards, Heidenheim demonstrated its offensive prowess once more. Scienza, a new signing from Ulm, unleashed a well-crafted curving effort that ricocheted off the post and into the net.
Approximately 500 supporters accompanied FCH to Sweden. In its inaugural Bundesliga season, Heidenheim finished an impressive eighth and sensationally qualified for the Conference League playoffs.
In the second half of the match, Scienza, a new signing from Ulm, scored the decisive goal for Heidenheim with a curving shot that hit the post and went in. After their European Cup debut, Heidenheim will start their new Bundesliga season against FC St. Pauli at the Ostalb, as they aim to build on their impressive eighth-place finish from their debut season and continue their journey in the Conference League playoffs.
