Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners in Germany
Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners in Germany
Chelsea earned another Europa Conference League victory as Christopher Nkunku and Mykailho Mudryk found the net in a 2-0 win over Heidenheim.
A goalless first half saw Chelsea fail to find the net in the opening half for the first time in the competition as their Bundesliga opponents proved to a tricky task to overcome. But Nkunku once again showed his ability to score in Europe to hand Enzo Maresca's side an advantage in the second period with a smart finish in the Blues most difficult tie so far.
It was not a night without nerves as Heidenheim pressed forward in search of an equaliser. They even found the net but saw their effort disallowed as the west London side looked desperate for the final whistle to blow.
Mudryk produced an impressive strike to double the visitors' lead at the death in a tense Chelsea outing, which saw Cesare Casadei sent off late on.
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Maresca has maintained distinct selections between European competition and the Premier League but who deserves a shot on Sunday against Aston Villa or later in top-flight action?
Filip Jorgensen
Maresca has remained adamant that Robert Sanchez is his primary option in goal at Stamford Bridge and that will likely see him steadfast in Chelsea's net in the Premier League. Jorgensen did what he could against Heidenheim to press his case however.
The 22-year-old endured had a busier evening than most he has enjoyed in the Europa Conference League so far and stood up to the task. The Denmark under-21 international delivered some impressive saves and cut a composed figure on the ball even when pressed in his own area.
Jorgensen protected Chelsea's lead with determination as the home side pressed for an equaliser and he earned an accomplished clean sheet in Germany.
Renato Veiga
The Portuguese full-back has impressed on more than one occasion since arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer and perhaps stands out more than must at being ideal for his coach's system. Lining up at full-back, Veiga spent more time filling out Chelsea's midfield than out wide and displayed the versatility that is clear valued by Maresca
Niklas Dorsch of 1.FC Heidenheim and Renato Veiga of Chelsea FC battle
The former Basel star showed an impressive array of passing and mobility and was unafraid to take possession of the ball. It was not a perfect outing with a couple of clumsy moments but the 21-year-old had a confidence that shone through his performance.
Christopher Nkunku
The Frenchman came into the game having scored six goals in five European matches so far this season, and could be forgiven for thinking his performance may do little to earn a place in Maresca's domestic starting lineup. While the former RB Leipzig star wasted a good chance in the first 45 minutes, he showed his quality to generate opportunities too.
Nkunku went jinking and jiving with clever feet through the box after 38 minutes but was denied at his final hurdle. One of Chelsea's more experienced heads on the field, the attacking star is a hive of activity with clever runs and passing always on his mind in and around the box.
The France international started as a No.10 but found more comfort as he floated across the width of the pitch to pick his moments but the customary goal arrived in the 51st minute, centrally..
The Blues star helped force the opposition backline into a mistake before taking the ball into his stride with a clever first touch and making no mistake with his second to put Chelsea ahead.
Nkunku's class stands out whenever he is on the field, and if he is to remain at Stamford Bridge, opportunities must eventually come his way. He is too good to be denied.
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