Kevin Diks was the hero for FC Copenhagen, as his penalty and assist powered the Danish side to a crucial 3-1 victory over German club Heidenheim in Thursday’s 2024/25 UEFA Conference League knockout playoffs. The win secured Copenhagen’s place in the Round of 16, potentially setting up a showdown with English powerhouse Chelsea.
The Indonesia national team defender played a pivotal role in overturning Copenhagen’s 1-2 first-leg defeat at home. Needing a win by at least two goals to advance, Diks—who missed the first leg due to yellow card suspension—returned to the starting lineup as the team’s right-back and played the full match.
Diks displayed his composure from the penalty spot, confidently converting a precise strike into the bottom right corner in the 53rd minute to keep Copenhagen’s hopes alive.
Earlier, he had also provided the assist for Amin Chiakha’s 37th-minute opener, setting the stage for the comeback. Rodrigo Huescas then secured the victory with a crucial goal in the 113th minute, sealing a hard-fought 3-1 win after extra time.
With a 4-3 aggregate triumph, Copenhagen booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Portugal’s Vitoria de Guimaraes or Chelsea in the next stage of the competition.