Heidenheim hero Scienza: “I’m very happy I was able to help the team”

Match-winner Leo Scienza and skipper Patrick Mainka reflected on Heidenheim’s dramatic Bundesliga survival.

As he skipped inside his marker and plunged the ball into the top-left corner of Elversberg’s net, Leonardo Scienza claimed Heidenheim hero status.

Netting in the 95th-minute in the second-leg of Heidenheim’s relegation play-off tie, Scienza expressed his delight at their achievement.

“I’m very happy I was able to help the team. They [the fans] don’t give a damn who scores the goal or who provides the assists.

“For me, it’s such a great feeling to go into the locker room and see the happy faces of my teammates.

“After this season, this is a happy ending. We can play another year in the Bundesliga. That makes us very proud. There’s nothing greater,” he added.

Heidenheim captain Patrick Mainka also chimed in on the dramatic night at the Ursapharm Arena in Saarland. 

“I think a certain amount of drama is simply part of our game. In Regensburg, it was injury time, and today it was injury time again.

“We can be incredibly proud … it’s been an incredible journey with Europe, ups and downs, but we’re ending it on a high, that’s what counts,” he exclaimed.