Late Claude-Maurice penalty breaks Heidenheim hearts

In a match largely controlled by the visitors, who once again lacked the cutting edge that has plagued their torrid season, heartbreak struck late for Heidenheim as Alexis Claude-Maurice converted from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining to seal an unspectacular yet vital win for Augsburg.

Heidenheim made the brighter start, with Augsburg appearing sluggish during the opening 15 minutes as Frank Schmidt’s side dominated possession. Christian Conteh looked lively on his debut, though the visitors struggled to translate their promising approach play into clear-cut chances and were often wasteful in the final third.

Augsburg’s first real sign of life came after 20 minutes when Kristijan Jakić tested Diant Ramaj from distance, forcing the goalkeeper to parry to safety. Six minutes later, Michael Gregoritsch nearly capitalised after Ramaj spilled a cross in a dangerous area, but the keeper reacted quickly to smother the striker’s close-range effort.

The contest remained evenly poised as the half wore on. Heidenheim continued to see more of the ball and looked threatening on the counter, particularly through Conteh, yet both sides ultimately cancelled each other out as they went into the break goalless.

The visitors resumed on the front foot. Five minutes into the second half, Ramaj launched a long ball towards Arijon Ibrahimović, who quickly fed Conteh centrally. His initial effort was blocked inside the box, and his follow-up drifted wide of Fin Dahmen’s goal, serving as an early warning for Augsburg.

Heidenheim continued to press, with Jan Schöppner and Eren Dinkçi both passing up promising openings. Their profligacy proved costly in the 80th minute when Augsburg were awarded a penalty against the run of play. Benedikt Gimber was penalised for pulling Keven Schlotterbeck at a corner, and Claude-Maurice stepped up to calmly dispatch the spot-kick for an unlikely 1-0 lead.

As Heidenheim pushed desperately for an equaliser, spaces began to open for Augsburg. Substitute Rodrigo Ribeiro surged into the area, weaving past defenders before forcing Ramaj into a sharp low save. Despite four minutes of added time, the visitors could not carve out another clear opportunity and were left to rue missed chances in a match they arguably deserved more from.

It marks a significant result for Augsburg, who return to winning ways after last week’s disappointment in Mainz and climb to 11th place. For Heidenheim, the defeat stretches their winless run to nine matches, leaving them six points adrift of safety.