At the start of the second half of the season, the VfL missed out on a home victory. Against 1. FC Heidenheim, the Wolves were held to a 1-1 (0-1) draw on Saturday, with a late Jenz goal. After falling behind shortly before half-time, Moritz Jenz scored the equaliser late on, but despite committed efforts, more was not possible. The match began evenly, before VfL gradually enjoyed more possession during the first half, though they lacked cutting edge too often in the final third. Heidenheim set up compactly and waited for their chances. Just before the break, the visitors capitalised on an error in Wolfsburg’s build-up play: Adrian Beck converted the rebound to give the visitors the lead. After the restart, Green-White increased the pressure, while Heidenheim remained defensively disciplined. One of the best chances for the equaliser fell to Christian Eriksen, whose deflected shot was superbly saved by goalkeeper Ramaj (55’). The 1-1 finally came from a set piece: Eriksen delivered a sharp ball into the box, where Moritz Jenz finished with a header at the near post (80’). In the closing stages, VfL pushed for a winner but were unable to create a decisive chance, and the match ended in a draw.
Match facts
Starting XI debut for Bürger: Youngster Jan Bürger made his first Bundesliga start at the weekend. The 18-year-old was named in the starting line-up on matchday 18 after previously being carefully introduced to the top flight through three short substitute appearances. VfL head coach Daniel Bauer was pleased with the young player’s performance after the match. “Jan is ready for the Bundesliga. He played with great commitment,” the coach said at the press conference. Even if not every action came off, Bauer particularly liked his protégé’s brave approach. Bürger took on many duels and repeatedly offered runs in behind. Mistakes were part of the process: “That’s normal at that age,” Bauer added.
Top provider: Christian Eriksen once again underlined his importance to the Green-Whites’ attacking play. In the latest draw, the Dane recorded his fourth assist of the current Bundesliga season, moving him to the top of the club’s internal assist rankings. With his precise corner, Eriksen set up the equaliser and once again confirmed his role as a key playmaker in Wolfsburg’s game. No other VfL player has registered more direct assists so far this season.
Half-time lead not enough: Only for the third time this season did Heidenheim go into the break in front. Previously, this had only happened in FCH matches against Cologne and Frankfurt, both of which ended in draws – and the 1-1 at the Volkswagen Arena now joins that series.
Run without a clean sheet: Heidenheim are still waiting for a clean sheet this Bundesliga season. The visitors’ defence also conceded in Wolfsburg, meaning FCH have now failed to keep a clean sheet in all 18 league matches so far. They are the only Bundesliga team to have conceded at least one goal in every game this season.
Still without a clean sheet: VfL Wolfsburg have also yet to keep a clean sheet – at least during coach Bauer’s tenure. They have conceded 20 goals in eight matches under him.
First away draw: Heidenheim were the last team to share the points away from home for the first time this Bundesliga season.
Captain suspended: Maximilian Arnold received his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss his team’s match in Mainz next Saturday. For the VfL captain, it is already the tenth yellow-card suspension of his Bundesliga career (in addition to four suspensions following red cards).
Grabara wins fan vote: VfL fans cast their votes in the “Player of the Match” poll. VfL goalkeeper Kamil Grabara finished top with 40 percent of the vote, securing a clear victory. Second place went to goalscorer Moritz Jenz, with 27 percent. Striker Mohammed Amoura completed the podium in third place with 23 percent.
Head-to-head comparison
- xGoals: 0.91 WOB – 1.00 FCH
- Shots: 13 WOB – 13 FCH
- Distance covered: 119.6 km WOB – 120.29 km FCH
- Possession: 70% WOB – 30% FCH
- Duels won: 54% WOB – 46% FCH
- Pass accuracy: 85% WOB – 66% FCH
- Successful dribbles: 55% WOB – 38% FCH
- Fastest player: Adam Daghim (WOB) 35.48 km/h – Arijon Ibrahimovic (FCH) 32.59 km/h
- Most distance covered: Christian Eriksen (WOB) 13.1 km – Jan Schöppner (FCH) 12.9 km
