Nowhere to Hide: Hosts’ Dramatic Exit from Europe

Copenhagen turned around a first-leg disadvantage to secure their place in the round of 16 of the UEFA Conference League (UECL), clinching a 3-1 victory in extra time against Heidenheim at the Voith-Arena. This defeat marked Heidenheim’s eighth loss in their last ten home matches.

Following a balanced start, Copenhagen began to assert their dominance in the first half. Elias Achouri had two close attempts on goal; his first effort was spectacularly saved by Frank Feller from close range, while he volleyed wide from the back post after a corner.

Amin Chiakha then posed a threat, heading Elyounoussi’s precise free-kick past the advancing Feller but narrowly off target. However, the 18-year-old didn’t have to wait long to make an impact, as he netted his fourth goal of the UECL season with another header, connecting with Kevin Diks’ delivery.

The assist soon turned into a goal, as just eight minutes into the second half, Chiakha converted a penalty, sending Feller the wrong way with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner. The penalty was awarded after Jonas Föhrenbach fouled Giorgi Gocholeishvili in the area, with a VAR review confirming the decision.

Trailing both on aggregate and in the match, Heidenheim sought to respond quickly, but captain Patrick Mainka misfired a half-volley over the bar after a free-kick presented him with a golden opportunity. Zivzivadze also found himself in a good position but could only manage a shoulder connection from another free-kick, which Ramaj comfortably saved.

Heidenheim continued to press forwards as substitute Marvin Pieringer managed to round Ramaj while advancing towards goal, but Munashe Garananga was quick to intercept and clear the ball off the line. The German side did find the net shortly after through substitute Léo Scienza, who expertly curled a free-kick into the top corner.

They had the chance to level the match and take the lead on aggregate during normal time, but Mainka headed wide from a promising position after a corner. Copenhagen almost extended their lead as well, with Feller making an impressive save from Hjalte Froholdt’s shot, before Scienza came close again, with Ramaj deflecting his effort onto the post.

Extra time saw few significant opportunities arise for either team, but Copenhagen capitalised on one. After a defensive mix-up for Heidenheim, the ball fell fortuitously to substitute Rodrigo Huescas, who struck decisively past Feller with just five minutes remaining.

In a dramatic twist, Pieringer thought he had equalised for Heidenheim with a late goal, but it was disallowed for a handball. Consequently, Copenhagen made history by defeating a German team for the first time in 16 attempts, while Heidenheim will lament a sixth defeat in eight matches across all competitions, bowing out of the UECL.