Chelsea is inching closer to the Conference League last 16 after a solid 2-0 away win against Heidenheim, keeping their unbeaten streak in the competition alive.
Stellar Performance Pushes Chelsea Forward
Chelsea didn’t just win; they dominated. With Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk finding the net, the team showcased their depth and skill. Jadon Sancho set the stage with a slick pass, and Nkunku didn’t disappoint, slotting the ball home effortlessly. Mudryk sealed the deal late in the game, sending the fans into a frenzy.
Heidenheim tried to keep up, but Chelsea’s defense was rock solid. Cesare Casadei’s red card didn’t faze them. The visitors maintained their composure, ensuring that their perfect run in Europe continued without a hitch.
Heidenheim’s Long-Time Manager Faces New Challenges
Frank Schmidt has been with Heidenheim for 17 years, guiding them from the lower tiers to the Bundesliga. This season, reaching Europe was a monumental achievement. Despite their underdog status, Schmidt’s team gave Chelsea a run for their money, especially towards the end.
It’s not every day a fifth-tier team competes against top-flight clubs in Europe. Schmidt’s experience was evident as he tried to rally his players, but ultimately, the odds were against them.
Hearts’ Struggles Continue in Europe
Hearts had their hopes dashed with a 2-0 loss to Cercle Brugge. Lawrence Shankland, who’s been struggling this season, missed a crucial penalty. After a handball by Edgaras Utkus, Shankland’s shot went over the bar, leaving fans disappointed.
Cercle Brugge took the lead in the 40th minute with Malamine Efekele’s precise header. Despite Hearts pushing back, Gary Magnée capitalized on a deflection to secure the win for Brugge. Hearts now sit on six points from four matches, needing to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.
- Key Moments:
- Shankland’s missed penalty
- Efekele’s header
- Magnée’s decisive goal
New Saints and Shamrock Rovers Face Setbacks
The New Saints saw their dreams of advancing crumble with a narrow 1-0 loss to Djurgården. Tobias Gulliksen’s goal just before halftime was enough for the Swedish side to take control. The defeat leaves TNS struggling to find their footing in the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers held Rapid Vienna to a 1-1 draw. Nenad Cvetkovic scored early for Rapid, but Johnny Kenny equalized in the second half. Shamrock Rovers showed resilience, but couldn’t secure the win they needed to advance.
| Team | Goals | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Shamrock Rovers | 1 | 48% |
| Rapid Vienna | 1 | 52% |
Larne’s Campaign Ends Abruptly
Larne’s journey in the Conference League came to an end after a 1-0 defeat to Olimpija Ljubljana. Playing with ten men, Larne couldn’t withstand the pressure from their Slovenian opponents. Ivan Durdov’s header was the decisive goal, and Sean Graham’s second yellow card sealed their fate.
This marks Larne’s fourth straight European defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the Conference League table. With their manager Tiernan Lynch having moved to Derry City, the team faces an uncertain future in European competitions.
