Updated 2024-08-23 08.56 | Published 2024-08-22 20.50
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full screen Amor Layouni depresses against Heidenheim. Photo: Michael Erichsen / Bildbyrån
GOTHENBURG. Hecken created a lot but fell, 1–2, against Heidenheim.
Match winner for the Germans – the brass Leo Scienza, 25, who started his career in Swedish Fanna, in division three.
– That time has made me who I am, he says.
Last year’s newcomer to the Bundesliga, Heidenheim, who finished eighth this spring, brought a somewhat B-emphasized team to the first playoff meeting with Häcken.
But included in the starting eleven was the new acquisition Leo Scienza, who has had an odd rocket career through the lower German divisions – after an odd start to his career in Sweden.
Carelessness gave 0–1
Häcken took hold of the game in the rain at Hisingen and created several chances before a carelessness between Adam Lundqvist and Marius Lode resulted in 0-1 (31) by Heidenheim’s Sirlord Conteh.
In the end, the home team was rewarded with the chances. Valgeir Fridriksson found Mikkel Rygaard who, in typical fashion, put in 1-1 (35) with his left foot.
Hecken continued to push forward in the second half and had the Bundesliga team rocking. Amor Layouni burned a great shot over from close range.
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full screen Heidenheim cheers against Häcken. Photo: Michael Erichsen / Bildbyrån
Tough situation in the return
Then Heidenheim countered instead and scored the match-deciding 2-1 (66) through Leo Scienza, beautiful post, in front of 400-500 jubilant German supporters at the Bravida Arena (Hisingen Arena, according to Uefa).
The 1-2 loss means that the starting position is, to say the least, tough for the Gothenburgers ahead of the return at the Voith Arena in a week’s time, which also broadcast on Sportbladet.
– It’s sad that we lose the match considering all the chances we have, says Amor Layouni in Sportbladet’s TV broadcast and comments on the great chance he had at 1-1:
– I won’t forget it for a while. Such chances must sit, says Layouni honestly.
Was cheated to Sweden
The match winner Leo Scienza came to Sweden in 2019 and landed with a game in the Enköping team Fanna in division three.
– It’s a crazy story. Me and some other Brazilian players got scammed. We thought we would be allowed to try out for teams in the Allsvenskan or Superettan, but it turned out to be in the fifth division.
How was it?
– We didn’t get paid and we lived in the basement of the club chairman’s house. It was tough. Although it was not what I had expected, I stayed for 1.5 years. It was better than nothing, says the down-to-earth brass empathetically.
– I even learned a little Swedish. But the only word I remember right now is “Hell!”, he says with a laugh.
“Grateful”
A new, more honest agent, who is still Scienza’s adviser, thought he should get the chance in Germany. Via Schalke 04’s U23 team, the winger has then via various German teams in the lower divisions now landed at the sensational team Heidenheim, which he is about to take to the Conference League with his 2–1 goal.
– I have to pinch my arm. To be here in Sweden again and play against a great Allsvenskan team, Häcken… It is the most important goal I have ever achieved, says Leo Scienza and emphasizes the time in Sweden:
– The tough times in Sweden have taken me to where I am today, made me who I am. I have evolved to cope with difficulties. I am very grateful for the chance I got here from the beginning, says the humble Scienza.
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fullscreen Heidenheim’s match-winner, brass Leo Scienza, who began his odd career journey in the Enköping team Fanna in division three. Photo: Michael Wagner