Heidenheim and Bochum battled to a 0-0 draw in a relegation six-pointer on Matchday 32, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the net.
Heidenheim 0-0 Bochum
In a match laden with relegation implications, Heidenheim and Bochum fought to a tense 0-0 draw at the Voith-Arena. The result leaves both teams’ Bundesliga futures hanging in the balance, with Bochum remaining at the foot of the table and Heidenheim clinging to the relegation play-off spot. The high stakes were evident from the outset, with both sides adopting a cautious approach in a bid to avoid costly errors.
Georgios Masouras of Bochum takes a shot while under pressure from Heidenheim’s defence, highlighting the visitors’ early attacking intent. – IMAGO/Eduard Martin
The match began with both teams showing attacking intent. In the fifth minute, Georgios Masouras tested Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Müller with a shot from outside the box.
However, the game’s flow was soon disrupted by early substitutions. Bochum were forced into a change when Philipp Hofmann had to be replaced by Myron Boadu in the 10th minute. Heidenheim followed suit in the 29th minute, with Sirlord Conteh coming on for Léo Scienza. These changes seemed to unsettle both sides, contributing to a first half characterised by tight marking and few clear-cut chances.
Myron Boadu of Bochum Challenges The Heidenheim Defense. – IMAGO/Eduard Martin
The second half began with increased urgency from both sides, but the game took a dramatic turn in the 50th minute. A collision in the Heidenheim penalty area left Müller seriously injured, requiring extensive on-field treatment before being stretchered off.
Frank Feller stepped in between the posts, facing immediate pressure from a reinvigorated Bochum attack. The visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute when Boadu’s effort struck the post, leaving the home fans holding their breath.
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt applauds his team’s resilience following the injury to goalkeeper Kevin Müller. – IMAGO/Frank Hoermann/SVEN SIMON
As the match entered its final stages, both teams made multiple substitutions in search of a crucial winner. Heidenheim brought on Budu Zivzivadze, Julian Niehues, and Mathias Honsak in the 80th minute, while Bochum responded with Moritz Broschinski and Gerrit Holtmann.
Heidenheim’s Adrian Beck forced a fine save from Bochum keeper Timo Horn, while at the other end, Broschinski narrowly missed the target. Horn made another crucial late save to deny Heidenheim, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Bochum coach Dieter Hecking looks on pensively during the tense final moments of the match. – IMAGO/Frank Hoermann/SVEN SIMON
In a match where defences largely dominated, Beck stood out for Heidenheim with his tireless work rate and ability to create opportunities. The midfielder won an impressive 18 challenges, the highest of any player on the pitch, and was at the heart of many of Heidenheim’s attacking moves. His late effort, which forced a good save from Horn, nearly won the game for the home side.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 0.89 – Bochum 1.38
Fastest player: Sirlord Calvin Conteh (Heidenheim, 34.72 km/h
Most pressed player: Frans Krätzig (Heidenheim), 19 Times under Pressure
Pass efficiency: Maximilian Wittek (Bochum), +4.48
Fantasy Heroes: Bernardo (Bochum, 283 Points), Adrian Beck (Heidenheim, 234 Points), Ivan Ordets (Bochum, 234 Points)
