| Heidenheim needed a solid half of the first leg on Thursday evening to salvage a 2-2 draw and secure a solid starting position for the return match. If Elversberg's away win against Heidenheim had become it would secure their place in the league. This is not insignificant in four of the five first-leg draws since the relegation playoffs were reintroduced in 2008, the Bundesliga side ultimately prevailed. While the hosts have home advantage in the second leg, they finished only sixth in the 2.Bundesliga home table and have also lost five of their 17 second-division home matches just one defeat fewer than near-relegation team Preussen Munster. The head-to-head comparison also suggests that the Swabians in Saarland will still manage to stay in the league. Three competitive matches have taken place between Elversberg and Heidenheim so far, and the black and whites are still waiting for their first ever win but what better time for this to be happen in this playoff match. The possibility of extra time also seems quite realistic. Elversberg heads into the second leg game with Heidenheim with a slight advantage not only due to the 2-2 draw in the first leg, but also due to their current form. |
