Dramatic Revival Sends FC Copenhagen Through at Heidenheim’s Expense

Copenhagen overturned a first-leg deficit to secure their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League (UECL), clinching a 3-1 victory in extra time against Heidenheim at the Voith-Arena. This result marked the hosts’ eighth defeat in their last ten home matches.

The match began with a balanced opening, but Copenhagen quickly asserted their dominance in the first half. Elias Achouri threatened with two attempts—his first effort was brilliantly saved by Frank Feller from close range, while he later sent a volley wide from the back post following a corner.

Amin Chiakha soon became a key figure, narrowly missing with a header from Elyounoussi’s precise free-kick, sending the ball wide of the post. However, the 18-year-old soon made his mark, scoring his fourth UECL goal in five outings by heading home Kevin Diks’ cross.

Just eight minutes into the second half, the provider turned scorer when he successfully converted a penalty, placing the ball into the bottom corner past Feller after VAR confirmed a foul by Jonas Föhrenbach on Giorgi Gocholeishvili in the box.

After falling behind on aggregate as well as in the match, Heidenheim sought an immediate response. However, captain Patrick Mainka could only skew his half-volley over the crossbar after benefiting from a free-kick situation. Zivzivadze will also wonder how he failed to connect more cleanly from another set-piece, managing only to shoulder the ball towards Ramaj, who parried it away.

Heidenheim continued to press forward, with substitute Marvin Pieringer rounding Ramaj while breaking free on goal, but Munashe Garananga managed to recover in time to clear the danger off the line. The German side did manage to score a goal shortly after, thanks to a brilliant free-kick by substitute Léo Scienza, who curled the ball into the top corner.

They had a chance to equalise and take the lead on aggregate during regular time, but Mainka’s header from a corner went astray despite the promising position. Copenhagen also came close, with Feller making a commendable save from Hjalte Froholdt’s shot, while Scienza came closest of all, only to see his effort tipped onto the post by Ramaj.

Extra-time brought few openings for either team, but Copenhagen capitalised on one. Following a defensive mishap from Heidenheim, the ball landed perfectly for substitute Rodrigo Huescas, who struck it past Feller with just five minutes remaining.

In a dramatic twist, Pieringer thought he had salvaged a late equaliser for Heidenheim, only for it to be disallowed for a handball. Consequently, Copenhagen made history by defeating a German side for the first time in their 16 attempts, while Heidenheim will lament their sixth loss in eight matches across all competitions as they exit the UECL.