2. Bundesliga: Heidenheim and Hannover share the points in four-goal thriller

The visitors made the brighter start and came close to opening the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes. Benjamin Källman did well to get in behind the Heidenheim defence before pulling the ball back for Husseyn Chakroun, who somehow missed the target with the goal at his mercy.

Hannover continued to look dangerous, with Marcel Hartel and Stefán Teitur Thórdarson also threatening, while Heidenheim struggled to create much of note in the opening stages.

Despite the visitors looking the more likely to score, it was Frank Schmidt’s side who broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. A long-range free-kick from Paul Hennrich caused problems inside the Hannover penalty area, with Jean Hugonet inadvertently diverting the ball into the path of Tim Siersleben, who reacted quickest to head home from close range in the 43rd minute.

Heidenheim therefore went into the interval with a somewhat fortunate 1-0 advantage, despite Hannover having created the better opportunities during the opening 45 minutes.

Sandro Wagner’s side came out with renewed purpose after the restart and were rewarded for their efforts in the 55th minute. Källman picked out Thórdarson on the edge of the penalty area, with the midfielder producing a precise first-time finish into the bottom-right corner to bring Hannover level.

The visitors continued to build momentum and completed the turnaround just eight minutes later. Marcel Hartel delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, where Hugonet rose highest to power a header beyond Thomas Dähne and put Hannover 2-1 ahead in the 63rd minute.

However, their advantage lasted less than three minutes. Heidenheim responded through a corner of their own, with substitute Christian Conteh delivering an inviting ball towards the near post for Budu Zivzivadze to glance a header into the net and restore parity at 2-2.

Both sides subsequently pushed for a winner in an increasingly open encounter. Hannover continued to threaten through Chakroun, while Heidenheim looked to take advantage of their attacking momentum following the equaliser.

Neither side could find a decisive breakthrough during the closing stages, however, with the points ultimately shared after an entertaining afternoon in Heidenheim.

The result extends Heidenheim’s winless run, while Hannover will take encouragement from their second-half response after coming from behind to take the lead, even if they were unable to hold on for all three points.