Heidenheim vs Hamburg

As autumn settles over Heidenheim, the Voith-Arena is preparing for a crucial DFB-Pokal clash between 1. FC Heidenheim and Hamburger SV on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 CET. The game carries significant weight for both sides: Heidenheim are desperate to find rhythm in a difficult season, while Hamburg view the cup as an opportunity to restore pride after recent league inconsistencies. The home crowd in Baden-Württemberg is expected to play a key role, with anticipation building for a tense, tactical encounter under the lights.

Frank Schmidt faces a testing task in his team selection due to several absences. The Heidenheim coach will be without striker Budu Zivzivadze, who serves a suspension, while injuries to Feller, Honsak, Keller, Paqarada, and Rothweiler further limit his options. This situation may prompt Schmidt to field Mikkel Kaufmann as the central striker, supported by the creative movement of Adrian Beck. On the Hamburg side, Merlin Polzin’s squad is also stretched: Yussuf Poulsen and Silvan Hefti are ruled out, while Guilherme Ramos remains unavailable due to personal reasons. Young midfielder Nicolas Capaldo is likely to retain his starting place, and Nicolai Remberg could be deployed to provide balance in central areas.

Tactically, Heidenheim will almost certainly approach the match with pragmatism. Schmidt’s system, often built around a 3-4-2-1 setup, relies on compact lines, high work rate, and direct transitions from midfield. His side will look to exploit set-pieces and moments of disorganization in Hamburg’s defense. Polzin, on the other hand, prefers controlled possession, leaning on his 3-4-2-1 structure to dominate midfield and push wing-backs high up the pitch. Hamburg’s approach will likely involve patient buildup through the middle and quick switches to stretch Heidenheim’s defensive block.

In the press build-up, much has been made of Heidenheim’s struggles in front of goal. Local outlets have pointed to their lack of cutting edge, describing this match as a pivotal chance to regain confidence. National coverage of Hamburg focuses on whether the team can maintain composure and avoid lapses in focus that have cost them points in recent fixtures. Headlines from Hamburg-based journalists frame this as a must-win to steady the season, while Heidenheim’s media emphasize resilience, urging the players to “fight every ball” in front of their supporters.

Inside the pre-match studios, analysts are divided but unified on one key idea: this contest may be more tactical than open. Several point to the midfield as the decisive area, with Hamburg expected to dictate tempo through Capaldo and Remberg, while Heidenheim’s goal will be to disrupt and counter quickly through Jan Schöppner’s interceptions and Beck’s distribution. Commentators also note that set-pieces could become a major weapon for the hosts, and that early momentum will dictate who seizes control. As the teams warm up, the sense in the studio is that this will be a battle of nerve and precision, with both coaches fully aware that one mistake could end their DFB-Pokal journey.

Watch and Download Heidenheim vs Hamburg full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, October 28, 2025. The match played at Voith-Arena, in  DFB Pokal, Germany.

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