On Thursday, FC Heidenheim will carve out a unique chapter in their history as they step onto the European stage for the first time. Having never played in Germany’s top division before last season, the club exceeded expectations in the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign, finishing in a remarkable 8th place and earning a shot at European football. Their success secured them a place in the final qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, an extraordinary feat for a team hailing from a town of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants.
In a league where clubs from larger, wealthier cities typically dominate, Heidenheim’s rise stands out. Much like Union Berlin, another club that has defied the odds despite being based in the capital, Heidenheim’s achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their European debut will pit them against BK Häcken, a Swedish club from Gothenburg. The two-legged tie will determine which team advances to the Europa Conference League group stages, a dream scenario for the Heidenheim faithful.
A club built on loyalty and hard work
At the heart of Heidenheim’s journey is head coach Frank Schmidt, who has been a central figure in the club for years. Once a player in the lower divisions of German football, Schmidt has guided the team through its ascent from the semi-professional ranks to the professional leagues and now into Europe. For Schmidt, leading the team into European competition is “naturally something significant,” a testament to his years of dedication to the club.
Schmidt’s achievements have inspired 500 supporters to make the trip to Sweden to witness this historic moment. The atmosphere among the fans is one of optimism and excitement, as they hope to see their team succeed on a bigger stage. Club captain Patrick Mainka encapsulates the sentiment, calling it “a milestone game” that both the players and fans are eager to embrace. Mainka is confident that the team can harness the energy of the occasion to produce a memorable performance.
The challenge and the dream
Even though this is Heidenheim’s first venture into European football, they are considered favorites to progress. Competing in the more prestigious Bundesliga gives them an edge over BK Häcken, at least on paper. However, the Swedish side could prove a tricky opponent, having already played nine matches in their domestic league, giving them a potential fitness advantage over Heidenheim, who have only just kicked off their season.
Heidenheim’s only competitive outing so far this season came in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, where they cruised past fourth-tier FC 08 Villingen with a 4-0 victory. The return leg next week will be a momentous occasion in the small town, where anticipation for European football has reached fever pitch. Even if this European adventure turns out to be fleeting, for the residents of Heidenheim and football fans alike, this golden period is a time to be cherished.
