1. FC Heidenheim – Bayer Leverkusen
1. FC Heidenheim, under coach Frank Schmidt currently in 16th place, is fighting for survival in the Bundesliga, while Xabi Alonso’s Werkself are chasing league leaders Bayern Munich in 2nd place.
Heidenheim could take new momentum from their recent 1-0 away win in Wolfsburg, Frank Schmidt’s 700th game as a coach. With just three points separating them from St. Pauli and two points separating them from Bochum, the Swabians are in the middle of the relegation battle.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, suffered a major setback in the DFB Cup during the week: they lost 1-2 to third-division side Arminia Bielefeld, which sports director Simon Rolfes described as “one of the hardest setbacks in recent years”. Overall, the balance speaks clearly for Leverkusen: they have won three of the four Bundesliga duels so far, including the 5-2 home win in the first leg. Also striking: more than 2.5 goals were scored in all encounters and both teams always scored. However, the Werkself is under pressure not to let the six-point gap to Bayern get any bigger.
1. FC Heidenheim – Bayer Leverkusen info:
- Match location: Voith-Arena, Heidenheim an der Brenz
- Date and time: 05.04.2025, 3:30 pm
- Competition: Bundesliga
Heidenheim Form & balance Check
1. FC Heidenheim are on a remarkable upward trend that has recently propelled them to 16th place in the table. After only one defeat in their last five games and seven points from their last three encounters, the team has pulled three points ahead of the relegation spot. Heidenheim’s defense was particularly convincing in their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg, when they defended with focus and won on a converted penalty. Their offensive statistics are also encouraging: they have scored in 80% of their last five league games, although their defense remains vulnerable at times.
With this positive trend and growing self-confidence, salvation seems to be within reach. Three points behind the safety line means that direct relegation can still be avoided. It is therefore crucial to preserve the current strong run and to stabilize further in the coming weeks.
After the success against Wolfsburg, coach Frank Schmidt is likely to stick to his 3-4-1-2 formation. Mainka, Gimber and Siersleben are expected to form the back three again, while Schöppner and Dorsch will control the center. Beck could once again act as the creative mind behind the forwards, where Zivzivadze and Pieringer should cause danger.
Niehues and Honsak (muscular problems) as well as Thomas Keller (adductor problems) are still missing due to injury. Nevertheless, no major changes are needed, as Schmidt should be satisfied with his team’s stable defense and quick transitions. On the flanks, Busch and Krätzig provide width, while Wanner and Scienza are on the bench as attacking alternatives.
Leverkusen Form & Bilanz Check
Bayer Leverkusen is currently going through a difficult phase, crowned by the unexpected 1-2 defeat in the DFB Cup against third-division side Arminia Bielefeld. After the game, sporting director Simon Rolfes was particularly critical of the lack of commitment. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself still rank second in the table, but are already six points behind Bayern Munich. The lead over Frankfurt is a comfortable eleven points.
The defensive weakness remains noticeable: in the last five games, Leverkusen has always conceded goals, and in 80% of cases before half-time. However, the team is consistently dangerous in offense: they have scored multiple goals in each of the last five games, thanks in no small part to top scorer Patrik Schick. It remains to be seen whether Florian Wirtz will be fit in time, as his absence further exacerbates the problem of inconsistency. Now, coach Xabi Alonso must find a way to perform with more determination after the cup disaster.
Bayer Leverkusen are expected to stick with their tried and tested 3-4-1-2 system. Florian Wirtz’s absence weighs heavily, which is why Buendía could play in the number 10 position. Jonathan Tah will lead the back three, supported by Hincapié and presumably Mukiele, who is set to replace the injured Tapsoba.
In midfield, Xhaka and Andrich will pull the strings, while Frimpong and Grimaldo will apply pressure down the flanks. Up front, Xabi Alonso will presumably rely on Schick and Adli. With Boniface, they also have a high-caliber substitute at the ready. The question remains as to how the team will perform after the setback in the cup and to what extent they can compensate for the loss of Wirtz.
Heidenheim – Leverkusen head-to-head & statistics
Goals have been guaranteed in the previous duels between 1. FC Heidenheim and Bayer Leverkusen: all four encounters ended with more than 2.5 goals. Leverkusen have won three of the Bundesliga meetings, while Heidenheim’s only victory came in the 2019 DFB Cup. Leverkusen’s early dominance has been particularly striking, with the Werkself leading at half-time in the last three encounters, while Heidenheim have scored in each game but fallen behind early on in each game.
Leverkusen won the most recent game in November 2024 5-2. In every game, both teams have scored goals, but there has not been a draw. This makes it clear that when these teams face each other, it is usually a fast-paced affair – and there is always a winner at the end.
