Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk scored in the second half to seal victory for Chelsea against FC Heidenheim. The two sides were goalless in the first half, but Chelsea found an extra gear after the break to pick up all three points.
Chelsea maintained their 100% record in the UEFA Conference League with the win over Heidenheim and now boast four wins from four. The Blues have managed consecutive clean sheets too and look like real contenders in the competition.
Chelsea eventually found the breakthrough
Heidenheim had a great opportunity to take the lead after Paul Wanner jinked past Axel Disasi to get one-on-one with Filip Jorgensen. He fired an effort at goal, but Jorgensen tipped it around the post. Wanner could have squared the ball to his teammate for a sitter, so it was a missed opportunity for the hosts.
Chelsea missed a couple of half opportunities, but Heidenheim’s chance was the best of the exchanges in the first-half. Chelsea wouldn’t let the hosts get that close to pulling off a shock again. They finally found the breakthrough minutes after the restart through Nkunku.
Jadon Sancho picked up the ball on the right flank and found Nkunku in the area who took a touch and volleyed home.
Chelsea were made to work for the win
Heidenheim had chances to equalise though and put up a great fight in the second half.
First, Léo Scienza curled an effort from distance just wide of the post. It had Jorgensen scrambling. Then, Wanner had another one-on-one after being put through on goal, but his effort was well-stopped.
Chelsea could have wrapped it up when Nkunku beat the offside trap and bore down on goal, but he couldn’t beat Kevin Muller.
Heidenheim thought they found a leveller through Max Breunig after he headed into the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside.
The hosts will definitely feel they had enough chances to level the game, but Chelsea would punish their wastefulness late on by sealing the victory.
In the 86th minute, Mudryk whipped a first-time effort into the top corner after Sancho laid the ball to him in the area. It was a clever move involving Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and finally gave the Blues daylight at the death.
Chelsea took all three points but were made to work by an impressive Heidenheim side.
