FC Heidenheim sent to the relegation play-off following loss to Werder Bremen

The first leg of the relegation-playoff will take place on Thursday night.

There was no final day drama at the Voith-Arena as Heidenheim were beaten 4-1 by Werder Bremen

The hosts had a slim chance of securing safety on the day. If they won and Hoffenheim lost while making up a seven-goal margin in terms of goal differential, they’d stay up automatically.

Those dreams went out the window early. Marco Grull was brought down in the penalty area in the 15th minute, and the referee was left with no other option than to point to the spot. Romano Schmid converted the spot-kick.

Bremen made it 2-0 past the half hour mark. Marvin Ducksch curled in a lovely corner, and Jens Stage rose highest to head home from close range.

Heidenheim came out flying to start the second half, making four substitutes and playing with a lot more intensity. They were gifted a way back into the game when goalkeeper Michael Zetterer lost the ball on the edge of his own area, but Paul Wanner failed to hit the frame.

Another giveaway led to another chance, and Leo Scienza ripped a strong shot. However, he was denied by the post.

They were left to rue those missed chances when Werder put the game to bed shortly after. Hitting on the counter attack, Mitchell Weiser slid the ball to Ducksch, and he rifled a first-time shot into the top corner.

Heidenheim did grab one back, with Luca Kerber finishing a corner with a solid header. However, the three-goal advantage would be restored by the Green-Whites before it was all over, as Keke Topp scored after some lovely footwork in the box.

The result meant that the two sides ended the day in the same spots as they started it. Heidenheim were forced to settle for 16th and a spot in the relegation-playoff, while Bremen secured an 8th-place finish. Not Europe, but still a promising campaign.