Heidenheim Secures Bundesliga Survival with Last-Minute Playoff Victory

Heidenheim secured their place in the Bundesliga for the upcoming season by narrowly defeating SV Elversberg 4-3 on aggregate in the relegation playoff. The two-legged tie was tightly contested, with the first leg ending in a 2-2 draw and the second leg decided by Leo Scienza's dramatic goal deep into stoppage time, which sparked wild celebrations among Heidenheim fans. Despite Elversberg's dominant possession and spirited play, including a disallowed goal via VAR, they failed to find a decisive breakthrough against Heidenheim's resilient defense. Scienza was instrumental throughout the playoff, not only assisting early in the second leg but also scoring the critical winner that preserved Heidenheim's Bundesliga status. This result means Heidenheim will play their second consecutive season in Germany's top flight, while Elversberg, who have never played in the Bundesliga before, will remain in the 2. Bundesliga. The playoff highlighted the drama and tension of the promotion and relegation battle between the 16th-placed Bundesliga side and the third-placed 2. Bundesliga club.