Controversial penalty-kick sends HSV to Pokal Round of 16 in Heidenheim

Hamburger SV are through to the Round of 16 in the DFB-Pokal after a late win in Heidenheim.

Rayan Philippe, who has been in fine form, created the first chance of the game for the visitors. The ex-Braunschweig striker set up Miro Muheim inside the box, but the captain’s attempt was blocked by Omar Traoré. Diant Ramaj makes his first save from Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer’s one-on-one chance.

Although they failed to test debutant Daniel Peretz, Heidenheim restricted HSV’s threat until the key moment in the tie. Tim Siersleben saw a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Königsdörffer right before the half-time whistle.

In what was their first home Pokal fixture in over six seasons, Heidenheim faced the challenge of playing an entire half with ten players. However, Königsdörffer’s attempt was the only shot on target in the hard-fought first-half between two teams struggling for goals.

The story was similar after the restart as HSV were restricted to long-range efforts, including a couple of attempts from Luka Vušković. However, Julian Niehues’ challenge on Fábio Vieira cost them at the end with the referee pointing to the spot.

With no VAR to aid Benjamin Brand’s instant decision, the penalty was converted by substitute Robert Glatzel. Vieira had a couple of great chances in the injury-time to kill the tie, but the solitary strike was enough for HSV.

Frank Schmidt was sent off for two yellow cards before his team tried their luck one last time in a scuffle following a corner-kick. HSV progressed to the Round of 16 in the cup after two narrow victories.