Undav strikes late as Stuttgart spoil the Heidenheim party in six-goal stunner
VfB Stuttgart welcomed Heidenheim to the Mercedes-Benz Arena for Bundesliga Matchday 27. Frank Schmidt's plucky underdogs came from a two goal deficit to lead late on, but Deniz Undav struck late to salvage a 3-3 draw.
Stuttgart met a great deal of frustration in the opening half this afternoon. Twice they had goals chalked off for marginal offside calls. The Swabians could sense frustration growing around the stands.
However, Serhou Guirassy's goal in the 41st minute could not be retracted. Some fine play from Deniz Undav and Angelo Stiller created the space for the Mali international to guide home. Kevin Müller was in inspired form between the Heidenheim posts, but couldn't extend his boot to make the save in time.
The provider of the opening goal turned finisher instantly after the restart. On the break, Deniz Undav slipped in Stiller who remained ice coil to thread the ball beneath a sprawling Müller. Heidenheim halved the defecit in a fortuitous manner moments later. Tim Kleindienst's goalbound header should have been a routine save for Nübel, however the Stuttgart keeper fumbled the ball over his own line.
Silas almost made the perfect impact from the bench only for the left upright to come to the visitor's rescue. Yet, the miraculous turn of events came at the death. A delightful cross from Jan-Niklas Beste was placed past Nübel by Kleindienst at the back post. The 28-year old wasn't finished - he completed the comeback in the 85th minute; this time rising highest to meet Eren Dinkçi's delivery.
Hoeneß side have been excellent all season and knew they'd get another chance. With six additional minutes of injury time, the ball fell to Deniz Undav. The Swabian crowd held its breath in unison as the red-hot striker thrashed the ball past a hoard of Heidenheim defenders to salvage a point.