Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory away to Heidenheim, moving them within one win of the Conference League's last 16 and maintaining their flawless start in the competition. Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk were the goal scorers in the second half, with Nkunku finding the net for his 11th of the season after Jadon Sancho's assist shortly after the interval. Mudryk sealed the win with a superb finish into the top corner late in the game.
Heidenheim, managed by Frank Schmidt for 17 years, have risen from the fifth tier of German football to the Bundesliga and into Europe. Despite their modest status, they provided a tough challenge for Enzo Maresca's side, who had Cesare Casadei sent off in stoppage time. The breakthrough came five minutes after the interval when Axel Disasi won the ball in midfield, allowing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to set up Sancho, whose cross was expertly finished by Nkunku.
Chelsea nearly lost their lead shortly after, but Filip Jörgensen made a crucial save. The goalkeeper was tested repeatedly, notably denying Paul Wanner when the 18-year-old was through on goal. Mudryk's brilliant finish in the 86th minute ensured the visitors would have the last word.
In other matches, Lawrence Shankland missed a penalty as Hearts suffered a 2-0 defeat against Cercle Brugge, continuing his frustrating season. The New Saints' hopes of making the knockout phase were dented by a 1-0 home defeat to Djurgården, while Shamrock Rovers earned a commendable 1-1 draw against Rapid Vienna.
Larne's chances of reaching the Conference League knockout stage were all but ended after a 1-0 defeat to Olimpija Ljubljana, where they finished with 10 men. The Northern Irish side, now under new management, remain at the bottom of the Conference League table following their fourth consecutive European defeat.
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