Leipzig draws 2-2 with Heidenheim, Openda: This is not the result we wanted

In the 23rd round of the 2024/25 Bundesliga, Red Bull Leipzig tied with Heidenheim 2-2 after leading by 2 goals thanks to goals from Oponda and Sheshko. Leipzig striker Oponda said that this was not the result the team wanted, but at the same time, they would still aim to qualify for the Champions League.

Just 6 minutes into the game, Matthias Hunsaker scored a long shot from the top of the penalty area, helping Heidenheim to open the scoring with a score of 1-0. In the 13th minute, Heidenheim striker Marvin Pillinger was brought down by Orban while dribbling the ball, giving Heidenheim a penalty kick, which Marvin Pillinger then scored, helping Heidenheim to continue leading Leipzig 2-0.

In the first half stoppage time, Oponda received a pass from Sheshko and shot into the goal, helping Leipzig to tie the score at 1-2. In the 62nd minute of the second half, Oponda was knocked down by Heidenheim defender Silsleben when he was about to receive the ball. After VAR intervention, Leipzig was awarded a penalty kick. Sheshko then took the penalty kick and scored, helping Leipzig to tie the score at 2-2.

In the end, Leipzig tied Heidenheim 2-2 at home. After only getting one point, Leipzig is currently ranked 6th in the standings with 38 points, one point behind 4th place Freiburg.

Leipzig coach Marco Rose said in an interview, "This start did not help us, a set-piece loss and a penalty were awarded, and our defensive line was not good enough. At that stage, we did not put a lot of pressure on the opponent in terms of ball possession. After another counterattack, we were in trouble again, so I had to adjust the team's offensive system."

“After the adjustments, our performance improved and we equalised before the end of the first half, which of course gave the team confidence. In the second half, we pressed well, created chances and equalised. But from our point of view, it was still a disappointing draw, although Heidenheim also played well.”

In addition, Leipzig will host Wolfsburg at home in the quarterfinals of the 2024/25 German Cup, and will face Mainz in the Bundesliga afterwards.

Marco Rose stressed, "Even if the team is in a difficult period, I still believe in the players. Next, we have to find a solution, win the cup match against Wolfsburg and advance to the semi-finals."

In addition, Oponda, who scored in this game, said, "I am of course very happy to help the team with the goal, but this is not the result we want. Our goal is of course to qualify for the Champions League again, and this draw is obviously not ideal. However, this season is still long and we must continue to fight."

“We created more chances in the second half and equalised, but we still couldn’t win. We now have to turn our attention to the cup match against Wolfsburg. Thinking about the experience last time we met, we have to respond this time.”