Heidenheim rescue point in thrilling draw with Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen led twice, but ultimately had to settle for a draw against Heidenheim.

1. FC Heidenheim and Werder Bremen played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga at the Voith-Arena on Saturday.

Heidenheim dominated the opening stages, and Mio Backhaus, returning to the Werder goal after injury, was forced into some crucial saves – most notably in the sixth minute when he kept out Andreas Beck’s attempt.

Later in the first half, Marco Friedl saved Budu Zivzadze’s effort on the line, ensuring the game remained goalless.

While Heidenheim struggled to capitalise on their chances, Werder gradually came to life as the first half progressed, but the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half, as Werder came out of the dressing room with renewed energy. Marco Grüll combined with Romano Schmid before smashing the ball into the near post to give Bremen the lead.

Heidenheim responded when two second-half substitutes combined for the equaliser in the 67th minute. Marnon Busch delivered a cross to Stefan Schimmer, who scored his first Bundesliga goal to make it 1-1.

Werder almost immediately struck back, as Romano Schmid passed the ball across goal for Jens Stage, who tucked it into the net despite Omar Traoré’s efforts to stop it

But Heidenheim refused to give up and ultimately earned a point when Patrick Mainka’s header found Jonas Föhrenbach, who made it 2-2.

The draw leaves Werder Bremen in 11th and Heidenheim in 17th ahead of the remaining Bundesliga fixtures of the matchday.