Chelsea continued their flawless journey in the UEFA Conference League with a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim, driven by a standout performance from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, following an early goal from Christopher Nkunku.
The Blues are now just one win away from securing their spot in the round of 16, having comfortably dispatched Noah, Panathinaikos, and Gent earlier in the campaign.
Enzo Maresca will be eager for his side to carry their momentum into Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Heading into this fixture, both Chelsea and Heidenheim had perfect records after three group-stage matches, and the quality on display justified their unbeaten status.
Heidenheim’s Paul Wanner came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, unleashing a powerful shot that Jorgensen expertly parried. It marked the beginning of a masterclass in goalkeeping from both stoppers.
Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk thought he had earned a penalty after being sandwiched by two defenders, but the referee, even after consulting the pitch-side monitor, waved away his claims.
Meanwhile, Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller kept Chelsea at bay with five impressive saves before the break but was helpless when Nkunku calmly controlled a pass and slotted home the opening goal.
Jorgensen’s heroics kept Chelsea ahead, with 10 crucial saves, including two moments where Heidenheim found the net, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Mudryk later sealed the victory with a stunning strike into the top corner, eliminating any hopes of a Heidenheim comeback. However, the win was slightly marred by a late red card for Cesare Casadei, ruling him out of Chelsea’s next European game against Astana.
After the match, Enzo Maresca praised his players, particularly Jorgensen and Nkunku, “Both did very well. They did fantastic. I think all of them. Jadon Sancho did a very good game. Axel [Disasi] and Benoit [Badiashile]. Cesare [Casadei] did well. They are ready and it’s important. Filip did a very good game, Christo [Nkunku] the same. We have nine or 10 games in December so they are going to get more chances. They need to be ready. It was a very good challenge for all the aspects, they were high pressing, intense, but no matter what they do, it’s important we are ready. It’s important to continue with that mentality.”
Maresca also highlighted Sancho’s return to form,”I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically, and he is going to help us a lot. Unfortunately, we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot.”
The challenge of balancing Chelsea’s wealth of attacking talent, including Joao Felix, Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Cole Palmer, remains a headache for Maresca.
However, after Jorgensen’s remarkable display, Maresca might have a new selection dilemma—this time between the posts. Jorgensen’s performance, characterized by point-blank saves, agility, and command of his area, showcased why he was La Liga’s top shot-stopper with Villarreal last season.
If he continues in this vein, it will be difficult to keep him out of the starting XI.
