1. FC Heidenheim also won its second game in the group phase of the Conference League. The Bundesliga team narrowly won in Cyprus.
A shaky 1-0 win (1-0) against Pafos FC gives 1. FC Heidenheim the next three points in the Conference League. Coach Frank Schmidt‘s team won their second game in their debut season on the European stage.
Captain Patrick Mainka was the hero of the day for the Heidenheimers. The 29-year-old scored the decisive goal after 25 minutes. Pafos had opportunities to equalize, but didn’t take advantage of them. Heidenheim could also have increased, but didn’t score either. In the end, the Bundesliga team managed to get the narrow result over time.
Since their stadium does not meet the necessary UEFA requirements, the Cypriots play their European Cup home games in the municipality of Kolossi, around 60 kilometers away – and that is where the hosts had their first chance. Captain Jairo (10th) shot just over the goal with a direct shot.
However, Heidenheim found his way into the game better and better. Mikkel Kaufmann (22nd) hit the crossbar after a sharp cross from Marnon Busch before Mainka took more precise aim a little later.
After the break, Pafos came out of the locker room with more momentum. First Jairo (48′) was dangerous with his header, then Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller made a strong save against Jonathan Silva (51′). Tim Siersleben (58th) ended the Cypriots’ worst period of pressure when he tested keeper Ivica Ivušić with a strong header, even if Pafos continued to have slightly more of the game.
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt said on RTL+ after the game: “There is room for improvement. In the first half we missed taking the lead, but then we made it 1-0. We lost too many balls today. ” And further: “Pafos did a lot of activity on the right side. But we didn’t allow much. The points were important today.”
Nine teams out of 36 won their first two games. One of them is Heidenheim. The next game in Europe takes the Schmidt team to Scotland. At the beginning of November we will face Heart of Midlothian, before the highlight of the season awaits Heidenheim at the end of the month. Then Chelsea FC will be playing in the Voith Arena.