On May 23, the first leg of the 2024 Bundesliga promotion and relegation play-offs was held at Heidenheim's home stadium. Heidenheim, ranked 16th in the Bundesliga, faced Efsborg, ranked 3rd in the Bundesliga. Efsborg took the lead twice in the first half, but Heidenheim scored two goals in the second half to tie the score 2-2. The two sides will play the second leg on the 27th to compete for the qualification to participate in the Bundesliga next season.

At the beginning of the game, Efsborg played actively. In the 18th minute, Asllani sent a precise through ball, and Pekof quickly entered the penalty area and shot the ball with his left foot without stopping, giving the visiting team the lead. This goal showed Efsborg's efficient quick counterattack and personal breakthrough ability. Subsequently, Efsborg continued to exert pressure. In the 42nd minute , Tom Zimmershid sent a clever outside instep pass on the left side of the penalty area. Asllani was unguarded and easily pushed the ball into the goal, expanding the score to 2-0 .

In the first half stoppage time, Heidenheim got a chance and Omar Traore scored a goal, but after VAR replay it was confirmed to be offside and the goal was ruled invalid. Heidenheim still entered the halftime break with a two-goal disadvantage.

In the second half, Heidenheim stepped up their attack. In the 62nd minute, Heidenheim got a free kick in the frontcourt. The penalty kick was saved by Schiensa, who made a quick shot. Silben made a successful follow-up shot, and Heidenheim chased the score to 1-2 , rekindling the morale of the home team. Just three minutes later, Schiensa got rid of the defenders and shot again. Although the goalkeeper saved it, Hunsak quickly followed up with a close-range shot and tied the score to 2-2 .

After that, neither side was able to change the score, and the first leg ended in a draw. Heidenheim showed a tenacious fighting spirit and strong counterattack ability, while Elfsborg showed high efficiency in attack and defense conversion. The two teams will compete in the second leg on the 27th . Elfsborg will strive for victory at home to ensure promotion to the Bundesliga, while Heidenheim hopes to achieve the goal of relegation with the home advantage.