Heidenheim stage two comebacks to claim draw against Leverkusen in thrilling six-goal encounter

Bayer Leverkusen entered the match on a streak of five consecutive head-to-head triumphs, highlighted by a 6-0 victory in their earlier meeting, and following a subdued start, they took the lead with the games initial on-target effort in the 22nd minute.

After controlling the ball without forging a genuine opportunity, a superb curling delivery from Aleix Garcia pierced the Heidenheim backline, enabling Malik Tillman to slip unmarked to the far post and side-foot a composed volley into the net.

Opportunities remained scarce throughout, yet Kasper Hjulmand would scarcely have been concerned as his team extended their lead ten minutes before half-time, Patrik Schick rising to head home powerfully at close quarters from Alejandro Grimaldos precise cross.

This goal represented the tenth instance across eleven fixtures versus the leagues current top six where Heidenheim had shipped at least two goals.

Heidenheim confronted a steep challenge upon the intervals resumption, but they nearly cut the margin in half when the ball fell to substitute Julian Niehues midway through the break, his sliced shot striking the posts exterior.

moments later, a slice of luck provided Heidenheim with a route back, as Hennes Behrens deep inswinger somehow eluded all players in the penalty area, rolling untouched into the goal and holding up under VAR scrutiny, credited to Patrick Mainka.

The matches dynamics shifted in an instant, and buoyed by the surge, Heidenheim restored parity with 18 minutes remaining. Robert Andrich bore clear responsibility for the foul inside the box on Marvin Pieringer, who recovered to bury the penalty and ignite a captivating conclusion.

Nonetheless, the scores remained level for merely seven minutes, Grimaldo and Schick linking up anew from a set-piece, the striker glancing a header inside the six-yard area to mirror his double from the prior clash. Unbowed, Heidenheim replied promptly, converting their own corner in the 85th minute as Pieringers downward header froze Mark Flekken in position.

No further notable incidents ensued, and while their second-half display showed promise, the shared spoils offer minimal comfort amid Heidenheims anxieties over relegation to the second division following three seasons in the Bundesliga, languishing nine points clear of the play-off berth.

Conversely, Leverkusen in sixth position have managed only a single win from their previous nine outings in all tournaments (six draws, two defeats), a sequence positioning them four points shy of the trio ahead in pursuit of a place in Europes premier club competition.