1. FC Heidenheim climbed into the top three of the 2. Bundesliga after Budu Zivzivadze’s 12th-minute header sealed a 1-0 away victory over Greuther Fürth on Sunday. The result gave Frank Schmidt’s side their third win in four matches this season and their first clean sheet since dropping down from the Bundesliga last season.
Although Heidenheim spent long periods defending in Fürth, their efficiency in both penalty areas proved decisive. The hosts, meanwhile, slipped to a second defeat in four games and remain on four points, unable to convert territorial dominance into goals.
Zivzivadze header punishes slow start
The hosts began brightly and almost took the lead inside the first ten minutes. Felix Klaus worked room inside the Heidenheim area and fired goalwards, but visiting goalkeeper Thomas Dähne was alert to keep the ball out.
That miss proved costly. Heidenheim constructed their first dangerous move in the 12th minute when Marcel Costly delivered a cross from the right. Zivzivadze climbed highest in the Fürth box and directed a firm header past goalkeeper Florian Hellstern to give the away side the lead.
Fürth continued to press, with Klaus repeatedly testing the Heidenheim defence and Luca Itter forcing another save from Dähne in the 32nd minute. Yet Heidenheim’s compact shape held firm, and they headed into half-time still ahead despite the hosts controlling the first-half tempo.
Schmidt’s side see out precious shutout
Heidenheim looked to exploit space on the counter after the break. Alessandro Vogt was denied by Hellstern in the 50th minute, and Oualid Mhamdi passed up another clear opening five minutes later as the visitors sought a cushion.
As the match wore on, Heiko Vogel’s men monopolised possession but found clear sights of goal difficult to manufacture. Late introductions Jordan Siebatcheu and Omar Sillah added fresh legs to the Fürth attack, though neither could find a way past Dähne or his well-organised back line.
Fürth’s pressure mounted in the closing stages, yet a combination of resolute defending and wayward finishing meant the equaliser never arrived. Heidenheim duly collected a maximum haul that places them among the frontrunners for an immediate return to the top flight, while Fürth were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon where promising spells of possession yielded no reward.