Key Takeaways
- Heidenheim were seconds away from a famous win in Munich before a cruel 96th-minute equaliser.
- Coach Frank Schmidt will ignore other teams’ results and focus only on his side’s final two matches.
- The manager believes his team can win both remaining games and avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
Very few football matches leave such a deep emotional scar as Heidenheim’s recent 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich. The small club came within moments of a historic victory, only to suffer cruel luck at the death.
The team led 3-2 deep into added time at the Allianz Arena. However, Bayern winger Michael Olise struck in the 96th minute. His shot took a wicked deflection off goalkeeper Diant Ramaj and found the net, stealing two vital points from the visitors.
Schmidt spoke about the incident with raw frustration. “I always tell the players: only show anger after the final whistle,” he said. “That last-minute goal is incredibly unlucky. The shot is not really on target, but then it hits the keeper’s back. That is simply unbelievable bad fortune.”
The late blow was harsh on Heidenheim, who had shown tremendous courage against one of Europe’s top sides. The underdogs defended with discipline and attacked with purpose throughout the clash. These qualities give their coach hope they can still beat the drop.
With the season reaching its climax, Schmidt remains confident. “If we play in the next two games like we have in recent weeks, and especially like today, then I believe the boys can win both matches,” he stated.
Heidenheim remain in a tight fight to avoid relegation. Their fate depends partly on results elsewhere. However, Schmidt will not be checking the scores of his rivals this weekend.
“I will not watch tomorrow’s match,” he admitted. “I will probably get messages after the final whistle, but I am not hoping for that. That would only mean we still have a chance.”
His words show both realism and quiet optimism. The team must now turn this painful disappointment into fuel. Two wins from their final fixtures could yet save their Bundesliga status.