Chelsea continued their perfect run in the Conference League with a 2-0 win over Heidenheim thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen following Christopher Nkunku’s opener.
The Blues are now just one win away from securing a spot in the last 16 after already easing past Noah, Panathinaikos and Gent earlier in the season.
Enzo Maresca will hope his side can build on their current unbeaten run of five games in the upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
How Chelsea continued their perfect European start
Both teams headed into this fixture with unblemished records across the opening three games – and it was clear to see why.
Paul Wanner had the pick of the chances in the first half after cannoning a shot towards the Chelsea goal but was denied by the strong hand of Jorgensen, in what would become a goalkeeping masterclass from both shot-stoppers.
Mudryk was convinced he should have been awarded a penalty after being sandwiched between two Heidenheim defenders but his appeal was denied – even after the referee was instructed to check the monitor.
Kevin Muller made five saves to keep Chelsea at bay before the break but could do nothing for Nkunku’s opener, as the forward controlled the ball well and calmly slotted it into the back of the net.
Nkunku is Chelsea’s top scorer this season despite rarely starting domestically
His counterpart on the evening was also heavily involved and was the main reason the Blues held on to their slim lead following some wasteful finishing.
Jorgensen made 10 saves to keep his side ahead but was beaten on two occasions, only to be rescued by the offside flag each time.
Mudryk went on to seal the game with a stunning finish into the top corner to extinguish any threats of an upset – but the victory was slightly tarnished by a late red card for Cesare Casadei, who will now miss their next European game away at Kazakhstan’s Astana.
Sunday 1st December 12:30pm
Kick off 1:30pm
Maresca: Jorgensen and Nkunku were fantastic
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaking after the game regarding Nkunku and Jorgensen: “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: Sancho is important but has to stay fit
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Sancho after his first start since October, saying: “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.”
Jorgensen stakes claim for No.1 shirt
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
“A lot has been made of the selection headache regarding outfield players for Maresca, with the Chelsea boss being tasked with balancing Joao Felix, Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and many other stars within his squad.
“This game has only worsened that headache – but it was not in terms of their attacking talent.
“Jorgensen has to be considered for a starting role in the Premier League given his performance against Heidenheim on Thursday. It was borderline ridiculous at times.
“Point-blank saves, diving left to right and commanding his area well. It was everything you want from your main man between the sticks.
“If he maintained even half of that performance in the future, he is too good to be left on the bench. There is a reason no player made more saves than him in La Liga for Villarreal last season.”
