Heidenheim clinch Bundesliga promotion after dramatic comeback on final day of the season

Heidenheim will be playing in the Bundesliga for the first time in their history next season after a dramatic 99th minute winner helped them clinch promotion on Sunday.

The 2. Bundesliga finale lived up to its billing once again on Sunday, as Heidenheim pulled off an improbable comeback to clinch promotion at Hamburger SV’s expense. They came from two goals behind to beat Jahn Regensburg and win promotion for the first time in their history.

Hamburg began the final day of the season one point behind Heidenheim. But they appeared set to win automatic promotion to the Bundesliga on Sunday after claiming a 1-0 win over SV Sandhausen. The HSV supporters were already celebrating on the pitch with Heidenheim still trailing 2-1 in their game after 90 minutes.

But former Borussia Dortmund youth team player Jan-Niklas Beste equalised for Heidenheim in the 93rd minute, before Tim Kleindienst scored in the 99th minute to break HSV hearts and help his side win promotion to the first division. The win also helped Heidenheim pip Darmstadt to top spot in the 2. Bundesliga standings on goal difference.

Hamburger SV finished third for the second season in a row, and will now have to overcome the challenge of VfB Stuttgart in a two-legged relegation play-off if they want to return to the Bundesliga next season.

It will certainly be exciting to see how Heidenheim fare in the top flight next season. Heidenheim are coached by Frank Schmidt, who has been at the club since 2007 and has guided them from the fifth division to the Bundesliga.