After 0:2 shock: Leipzig only draw against Heidenheim

A gala performance was required, but RB Leipzig initially delivered a subterranean performance. Instead of freshness, pace and creativity, Marco Rose's team put in an embarrassing performance in the 2-2 (1-2) draw against 1. FC Heidenheim, especially in the first half. With a lot of fighting, they still managed a draw.

This meant that Leipzig, who have only won one of their last six Bundesliga games, also lost out on fourth place for the time being to qualify for the Champions League again. For Heidenheim, the draw was a signal in the relegation battle after five defeats in a row. After all, it was the first point of the second half of the season.

Mathias Honsak (6th minute) put the visitors ahead in front of 36,619 spectators, before Marvin Pieringer (13th) increased the lead to 2-0 with his second offensive action from the penalty spot. Loïs Openda (45.+2) scored the equalizer, Benjamin Sesko (64.) the equalizer from the spot.

Ahead of the DFB Cup quarter-final this Wednesday (20:45/Sky) against VfL Wolfsburg with former coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, alarm bells are ringing for the Saxons. After the early Champions League exit, they do not want to be eliminated prematurely in the cup as well.

First shot on target

Before Sunday's game, sporting director Marcel Schäfer had said: "Now we finally have most of the team available again and have been able to train for a whole week and hope that we can see that in the manner and the result." He was sorely disappointed in the first half.

Heidenheim were more than effective despite the seven changes made by coach Frank Schmidt, who also had to replace the injured Leo Scienza. Honsak, who had been moved into the starting eleven, took advantage of the first offensive action to take the lead. He coolly shot the ball into the corner from 18 meters after the RB defence had failed to resolutely clear a ball that had already been won.

The visitors' second attempt was also successful. After Orban had touched Pieringer, who had slipped away in the penalty area, the referee Martin Petersen immediately pointed to the spot. The fouled player converted safely. Peter Gulacsi then prevented the 0:3 (23') with a save when Honsak shot again

HCH coach Schmidt had big worries before the game after the loss in the Conference League against FC Copenhagen. He was looking for "fresh energy". You can't argue that away. "We're coming off two English weeks," he said on the streaming service DAZN before kick-off and demanded: "We have to fight back more and stand firm." This strategy initially worked.

Leipzig had their first top-class chance in the 41st minute when Sesko took a spontaneous shot from the edge of the box - guest keeper Kevin Müller saved. Rose had to make an early change, bringing on Arthur Vermeeren for Christoph Baumgartner (33), who left the field with circulation problems.

Openda ends goal drought

After a total of 517 minutes, Openda ended his goal drought. The 25-year-old Belgian, who last scored in December, took advantage of an assist from Sesko on the half-right of the penalty area to score the equalizer (45.+2).

After the changeover, RB took control and suddenly had more pace and energy. When Tim Siersleben hit Openda (59) in the face with his forearm, Martin Petersen pointed to the spot. The VAR checked several times, then the referee himself again, before Petersen announced the decision live via microphone in the stadium.

The penalty was converted by Sesko (64') to equalize. Then it was all Leipzig on the attack. Xavi Simons (87) and Kevin Kampl (90.+3) missed good chances to win shortly before the end.