FC Copenhage 1-2 Heidenheim: Visitors come back to win in Europa League play-off first-leg
Copenhagen's long-standing winless streak against German teams persisted as they relinquished a lead to Heidenheim, ultimately losing 2-1 at Parken Stadium during the first leg of their UEFA Conference League knockout-phase play-off.
The home team, competing in their first official match of 2025, began the game with vigor, yet they failed to significantly challenge visiting goalkeeper Frank Feller—who was making only his third first-team appearance—until the 21st minute.
A well-placed cross from Marcos López was met by fellow full-back Rodrigo Huescas, whose effort was deflected onto the crossbar by Feller. Jordan Larsson's subsequent attempt was crucially cleared by Norman Theuerkauf.
Despite this, Copenhagen remained the more dangerous team, with 18-year-old Victor Froholdt making an impressive forward run. His shot, while struck firmly and with some curve, was comfortably handled by Feller.
Home captain Viktor Claesson then volleyed over the bar from a cross delivered by Huescas. However, Copenhagen took the lead just before halftime when Magnus Mattsson's precise pass found López, who displayed commendable strength to fend off Marnon Busch before setting up Larsson for a straightforward finish.
Heidenheim's players and supporters likely experienced a sense of déjà vu, having lost their previous four matches prior to this encounter in Denmark. In response, head coach Frank Schmidt substituted Omar Haktab Traoré for Theuerkauf at halftime. The newly introduced right-back soon registered the Bundesliga side's first shot on target in the second half, though it was easily saved by Diant Ramaj.
Heidenheim quickly found an equalizer when Huescas was penalized for a foul on Léo Scienza. Bayern Munich loanee Paul Wanner delivered a well-placed free-kick into the box, which was met by headers from centre-backs Patrick Mainka and Tim Siersleben, allowing Thomas Keller to finish from close range.
Schmidt, sensing an opportunity, substituted Mathias Honsak and Budu Zivzivadze for Sirlord Conteh and Marvin Pieringer. Ramaj was soon called into action, executing a remarkable flying save against Wanner, followed by another impressive denial of Honsak.
Copenhagen found themselves under pressure, but after seemingly surviving the onslaught, substitutes Mohamed Elyounoussi and Elias Achouri linked up, only for Achouri to be denied by the advancing Feller as both teams sought a victory ahead of the second leg in Germany.
In a dramatic turn of events, Heidenheim seized victory when the enterprising Siersleben capitalized on a deflection off Thomas Delaney, skillfully placing the ball into Ramaj’s bottom left corner.
Heidenheim has now secured four wins in five European away matches this season, including qualifiers, and will approach their league match against Mainz on Sunday with renewed confidence, while Copenhagen's impressive seven-match unbeaten streak at home has come to a disappointing conclusion.
SportsLigue