Benjamin Šeško salvages point for RB Leipzig after early Heidenheim blitz
A Benjamin Šeško penalty was required to salvage a draw for RB Leipzig on Matchday 23, after Heidenheim stormed to an unlikely 2-0 lead early in the first half.
RB Leipzig 2-2 Heidenheim
Goals: 0-1 Honsak 6’, 0-2 Pieringer 13’, 2-1 Openda 45+2’ (assist: Šeško), 2-2 Šeško (pen.) 64’
Leipzig and Heidenheim served up a pulsating encounter at the Red Bull Arena, with the hosts battling back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw. The match was a tale of two halves, featuring early drama, two penalties, and a spirited comeback that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Heidenheim's dream start
The visitors stunned the home crowd with a blistering start. Mathias Honsak opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a spectacular strike from outside the box, leaving Péter Gulácsi rooted to the spot. The shock doubled just seven minutes later when Willi Orbán brought down Marvin Pieringer in the box, earning himself a yellow card in the process. Pieringer stepped up to convert the penalty, sending Heidenheim into dreamland with a 2-0 lead.
Leipzig's fightback
Leipzig, shell-shocked by the early onslaught, gradually found their footing. Christoph Baumgartner, who had received an early yellow card, was substituted in the 33rd minute for Arthur Vermeeren as Marco Rose sought to change the dynamics. Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Loïs Openda pulled one back, offering a lifeline to the hosts. The momentum shifted further in Leipzig's favour after the break, with Benjamin Šeško leading the charge.
Intense second half
The second half saw Leipzig dominate possession and create numerous chances. In the 64th minute, a crucial moment arrived when Šeško was fouled in the box. After a VAR review, referee Martin Petersen pointed to the spot. Šeško stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, bringing the scores level and setting up a tense finale. Despite their dominance, with 69 percent possession and 16 shots compared to Heidenheim's 5, Leipzig couldn't find a winner. Frank Schmidt's men, despite being under constant pressure, showed remarkable resilience, with goalkeeper Kevin Müller making several crucial saves to preserve the draw.
Player of the Match: Benjamin Šeško
Šeško emerged as the standout performer for Leipzig, playing a pivotal role in their comeback. The young striker's composure was evident as he coolly slotted home the equalising penalty. Šeško's overall performance was impressive, recording the second-highest maximum speed of the match at 33.86 km/h, showcasing his athleticism and work rate. His contribution was crucial in maintaining Leipzig's pressure throughout the second half and ultimately securing a point for his team.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 2.03 - Heidenheim 1.09
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim), 35.23 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Mathias Honsak (Heidenheim), 4.81 percent
Most pressed player: Xavi Simons (Leipzig), 32 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Xavi Simons (Leipzig), +3.05
Fantasy Heroes: Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig, 314 Points), Castello Lukeba (Leipzig, 262 Points), Loïs Openda (Leipzig, 253 Points)
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