Key Takeaways
- FC Bayern Munich rescued a 3-3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim with a heartbreaking equaliser in the sixth minute of added time.
- Budu Zivzivadze scored twice for the visitors, who led 3-2 until the final seconds of the match.
- The result leaves Heidenheim stranded on 23 points, seriously damaging their chances of escaping the Bundesliga relegation zone.
A historic upset appeared certain until the final moments of the match at the Allianz Arena. However, 1. FC Heidenheim ultimately left Munich with only a single point after suffering a devastating blow in the dying seconds of their clash with FC Bayern Munich.
The visitors seemed set to complete one of the most remarkable victories in Bundesliga history when they held a 3-2 advantage deep into injury time. Unfortunately for Frank Schmidt’s side, a cruel twist of fate in the 96th minute saw the ball cross the line following a long-range strike from Michael Olise, forcing Heidenheim to settle for a 3-3 draw.
Before kick-off, attention had focused on Bayern’s forthcoming Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain. This distraction appeared evident in the hosts’ early display, while Heidenheim approached the fixture with the desperation of a team battling relegation.
Despite Bayern controlling the ball for long periods, the underdogs struck first after 22 minutes. Marnon Busch delivered a dangerous cross from a set-piece situation, allowing Budu Zivzivadze to fire home and establish a new club record by scoring in four successive Bundesliga appearances.
The surprise deepened nine minutes later when Busch again provided the assist, threading a precise pass to Eren Dinkçi, who calmly beat goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to double the advantage. Bayern’s defence, including Jonathan Tah, struggled to contain the swift counter-attacks.
Vincent Kompany’s team finally responded just before the interval. Leon Goretzka curled a spectacular free-kick into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and marking Bayern’s first successful direct free-kick of the campaign.
Trailing at half-time for the first time in a home league match under their current manager, Bayern introduced several key players including Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise. This change in personnel transformed the rhythm of the contest.
Twelve minutes into the second period, Olise’s corner found Goretzka, who powered a header past the goalkeeper to level the scores at 2-2. Although Bayern dominated possession thereafter, Heidenheim remained dangerous on the break.
The visitors reclaimed the lead with fourteen minutes remaining. Zivzivadze collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside, and unleashed a curling shot reminiscent of Arjen Robben into the far corner, making it 3-2.
A frantic conclusion followed as Bayern poured forward seeking salvation. Goalkeeper Diant Ramaj produced several magnificent stops to preserve Heidenheim’s advantage against relentless pressure. The referee indicated nine additional minutes, raising the tension inside the stadium.
With what proved to be the final kick of the game, Olise attempted a shot from distance. Ramaj managed to push the ball against the upright, but it rebounded cruelly off the keeper’s body and rolled agonisingly over the line. The equaliser sparked celebrations among Bayern supporters while leaving Heidenheim players collapsed in despair.
The final whistle confirmed a result that feels like victory for Bayern but disaster for their opponents. Instead of climbing toward safety, Heidenheim remain on 23 points, now trailing VfL Wolfsburg by two points and FC St. Pauli by three. Both rival clubs still possess games in hand, making the survival mission increasingly difficult for Schmidt’s men.
Had the result held for just seconds longer, Heidenheim would have achieved what no bottom-placed team has managed since Hannover defeated Bayern in 2006. Instead, they departed Munich with nothing but devastation and regret.