HEIDENHEIM, Germany: Chelsea cemented their position at the top of the UEFA Conference League table after a 2-0 win over Heidenheim, who lost their 100 percent record earlier this morning.
Manager Enzo Maresca made 10 changes to the squad that defeated Leicester in the English Premier League (EPL) last weekend.
But the Blues dominated the first half, with Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Mueller letting them down with some impressive saves.
Chelsea needed six minutes after the break to break the deadlock when Christopher Nkunku made a brilliant touch to control Jadon Sancho’s cross before firing into the top corner.
Nkunku, second only to Nicolas Jackson in Maresca’s EPL list of strikers, has scored five goals in four Conference League games this season.
The German club rallied from behind and almost equalized in the 69th minute when Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen brilliantly denied attempts from Paul Wanner and Leo Scienza.
The two-time European champions sealed victory four minutes from time when Sancho assisted for his second goal, sending the ball to Mykhailo Mudryk who fired home after playing a one-two with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
After winning their first four games, Chelsea lead the Conference League with a maximum of 12 points and goal difference ahead of Polish club Legia Warsaw.