Heidenheim's Stunning Upset: Relegated Side Downs Promoted Osnabrück 5-2
Relegated Heidenheim delivered a stunning 5-2 upset over promoted Osnabrück in their 2. Bundesliga opener, marking a dramatic start to the new campaign.
Heidenheim's new signing Marcel Costly played a key role in the victory, assisting two goals and scoring another. The Georgian striker started the season in fine form, reminiscent of his performances towards the end of their Bundesliga campaign.
Heidenheim took an early lead after Marcel Costly's assist helped Budu Zivzivadze open the scoring in the tenth minute. However, Osnabrück cancelled out the strike and leveled the score from a set-piece opportunity in the midpoint of the first-half.
Center-back Niklas Wiemann headed home after Konrad Faber's initial delivery from a corner-kick was parried away by Heidenheim's defense. Heidenheim then regained the lead five minutes later, thanks to another assist from Costly.
Osnabrück equalized in injury-time of the first-half, but Heidenheim restored their lead just before the break. The second-half saw both teams create scoring opportunities, but it was Heidenheim who found the net first.
Heidenheim's lead was extended when Marcel Costly delivered a perfect ball to Marvin Pieringer in the 89th minute. A couple of minutes later, Marnon Busch was penalized for a handball from Robin Meißner's free-kick, allowing Osnabrück's last season top-scorer to net the seventh and last goal of the game from the resulting spot.
Osnabrück pushed for another equalizer in injury-time, but the hosts held on to grab all three points in the opening matchday. The win marks a promising start to the season for Heidenheim, who will face Hertha away from home next week.
Heidenheim's victory has set the tone for what promises to be an intriguing 2. Bundesliga campaign. The relegation strugglers have shown they can compete with the promoted teams, and their win over Osnabrück will be a confidence booster for the rest of the season.
As both teams look to maintain their perfect start, Heidenheim will face a tough challenge away from home against Hertha, while Osnabrück will host Magdeburg, who lost 6-1 at home to Eintracht Braunschweig in the opening matchday.
Source: Yahoo Sports