1. FC Heidenheim suffered their first defeat in the Conference League. The blatant outsider put in a courageous performance against Chelsea FC – but was unable to reward himself.
In an exceptional game in the club’s history, 1. FC Heidenheim narrowly missed the big surprise against Chelsea FC. After a courageous performance in the duel with the global and billion-dollar club, the outsider from the Bundesliga had to admit defeat 0-2 (0-0) in the Conference League. Former Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku (51st minute) and Mychajlo Mudryk (85th) sweetened the short trip to the Ostalb for the star ensemble from London on this cold, wet evening.
Given some of their own chances, Heidenheim could have rewarded themselves with a point. Two supposed Heidenheim goals by substitute Maximilian Breunig were disallowed due to offside (79th/88th). In stoppage time, Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei saw yellow-red (90th + 6), but that didn’t change anything about the visitors’ victory.
However, the Heidenheim club chronicle is enriched by a special chapter. Coach Frank Schmidt had previously said that this game would remain special “forever”. And despite their first European Cup defeat, 1. FC Heidenheim can still hope for direct qualification for the round of 16 after three wins in three games.
Heidenheim can draw courage for the Bundesliga relegation battle
In the midst of their difficult phase in the Bundesliga, the Heidenheim team played an entertaining game in front of 15,000 spectators. Schmidt’s team kept the duel of extreme contrasts with the 2012 and 2021 Champions League winners open until the final phase and fought back impressively even after going behind.
The hosts actually had the first chance: Mikkel Kaufmann narrowly missed after a free kick (2nd). On the other hand, goalkeeper Kevin Müller stood out several times against the Premier League club’s offense. But the blatant outsider also knew how to keep the defense of the six-time English champion and Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen busy.
Again with an opportunity from Kaufmann (15th), after a fine move from Scienza (20th) or with shots from Paul Wanner (25th) and Mathias Honsak (27th), Heidenheim could have taken the lead. After a good half hour, Chelsea were initially awarded a penalty after a duel between Patrick Mainka and Mychajlo Mudryk, but this was taken back after video evidence.
Heidenheim misses opportunities
After the break, two former Bundesliga professionals cracked Heidenheim’s defense: the hosts couldn’t get the ball out of their own half, and former Leipzig player Nkunku scored on an assist from former Dortmund player Jadon Sancho.
But a goal for the hosts, who annoyed Chelsea, was still possible. Müller also had to repeatedly save himself from a larger deficit. But Scienza (57th/63rd) had the chance to equalize, as did Wanner, who was denied by Jörgensen. Only the 0:2 made the decision. In stoppage time, Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei saw a yellow-red card (90+6). Despite the setback, Heidenheim remains at the top with nine points. The next opponent is the Turkish club Basaksehir on December 12th.
dpa/ll
