A tired Heidenheim side couldn't quite muster another solid defensive performances, as they lost 2-0 at home to Union Berlin.
Heidenheim rotated their side after penalty shoot-out success in the Pokal. They brought in Norman Theuerkauf, Andreas Voglsammer, Jan Zimmermann and Marc Schnatterer for Adriano Grimaldi, Ben Halloran, Kevin Müller and Marcel Titsch-Rivero. For Union, they had a week's rest but still opted for two changes. Stephan Fürstner and Steven Skrzybski replaced the benched Sören Brandy and Dennis Daube.
Kreilach gives Union the lead in controversial first-half
The Berliners got the better start to the game and should have taken the lead early on. Maximilian Thiel's corner was flicked to the back post and towards Damir Kreilach. The captain couldn't quite get the crucial touch he needed to poke the ball home, as Zimmermann made a brave save with his feet.
Heidenheim had struggled to make any real impact and were lucky to not find themselves facing a penalty midway though the half. A Kreilach header came off the arm of Arne Feick, though Sören Storks failed to pick up on it.
That feeling of injustice quickly dissipated when he headed home from the next corner. Thiel's delivery was perfect for the Croatian, and he managed to flick the ball goalwards and only just over the line. Initially it appeared as if Sebastian Griesbeck has made a magnificent clearance, though Storks was on hand to spot that the ball had crossed over the line, and Union had a deserved lead.
Heidenheim finally managed an attack of note immediately afterwards, although Robert Leipertz's turn and finish went just wide of the post. Despite their best efforts, however, they couldn't quite test Daniel Haas in the Union goal and, with Schnatterer looking unusually quiet, they went into half-time a goal down.
Skrzybski seals all three points
The second half began with another penalty appeal being turned down for Union, and Heidenheim went close twice in quick succession in the aftermath. Voglsammer he rattled the side netting with a powerful strike before Kevin Kraus headed the ball onto the roof of the net.
The hosts then shot just over the bar from Norman Theuerkauf, but any chances of a comeback were put to bed just before the hour mark. A hopeful long ball forward found Skrzybski running alongside Mathias Wittek. The defender couldn't head back to his 'keeper and the forward rounded both before slotting into an open goal to make it two-nil.
Chances in the latter part of the game were limited, and neither side created anything of note as both had seemingly accepted their fate. Union weren't overly bothered, however, as they claimed an important win. Heidenheim, on the other hand, seemed tired from their cup heroics.