Chelsea kept their UEFA Conference League streak alive, making it four wins in four with a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim. Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk delivered the goods, each scoring to secure the Blues’ top spot in their group.
Both teams came into the match with perfect group stage records, but Chelsea showed grit in a game full of drama.
Nkunku opened the scoring early in the second half, slotting home with his trademark calmness after a slick assist from Jadon Sancho. Later, Mudryk put the game to bed with a thunderous finish into the top corner, again set up by Sancho.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Nkunku limped off after a collision with Heidenheim keeper Kevin Müller while chasing his second goal.
Earlier, Chelsea had a shout for a penalty when Mudryk went down under a challenge, but VAR stuck with the referee’s decision.
Teen star Marc Guiu brought energy to Chelsea’s attack but missed a couple of early chances. At the back, keeper Filip Jorgensen stepped up, pulling off a brilliant save to deny Paul Wanner and keeping Chelsea in control.
Heidenheim had their moments, especially after Nkunku’s goal. A lapse in concentration from Benoit Badiashile almost gifted the hosts an equalizer when he misjudged a ball heading out of play. Leo Scienza capitalized, keeping it in and firing wide. Wanner came close again but was once more denied by Jorgensen.
The home side thought they’d scored when Max Breunig headed in, but the goal was ruled offside. Their late push for a comeback ended with Mudryk’s rocket, sealing Chelsea’s win despite a late red card for Cesare Casadei after picking up a second yellow.
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