Two teams with perfect records in the UEFA Conference League, though worlds apart in their European experience, are set to clash on matchday four as Heidenheim welcome Chelsea to the Voith-Arena.
For Heidenheim, this season marks their first-ever foray into European football, and they’ve handled the challenge impressively so far. Wins over Olimpija Ljubljana, Pafos, and Hearts have seen them concede just one goal in the competition, a remarkable feat for a club more accustomed to domestic battles than continental adventures.
Yet, their European form is in stark contrast to their struggles on the home front. Heidenheim have managed only one victory in their last six matches across all competitions. Their latest setback, a 5-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen after leading 2-0, has left Frank Schmidt’s side hovering dangerously close to the Bundesliga relegation zone. Morale is low, and while their European run has been a welcome distraction, facing a Premier League giant like Chelsea might prove to be a step too far.
Heidenheim’s defensive frailties have been exposed domestically, and they’ll need to shore up at the back to stand any chance against a Chelsea side that is hitting its stride under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues come into this fixture fresh off a 2-1 victory over Leicester City, a result that lifted them into third place in the Premier League, just one point behind reigning champions Manchester City. It’s a testament to Maresca’s transformative work since arriving in the summer, with Chelsea suffering only two defeats since the start of September.
In Europe, Chelsea have been nothing short of dominant. Their 8-0 demolition of Armenian side Noah set a new record for the biggest win in UEFA Conference League history, a statement of intent from a team determined to add European silverware to their cabinet. They sit comfortably atop the league phase standings, having scored 16 goals in three matches while conceding none. Despite their dominance, the Blues will need to guard against complacency, especially given their recent struggles on German soil. Chelsea are winless in their last three trips to Germany and haven’t tasted victory there since the 2014/15 season.
For Heidenheim, the spotlight will be on Mathias Honsak, one of their standout performers since joining in the summer. The Austrian forward has directly contributed to five goals this season, with three of those coming in his last five appearances. His ability to both score and create chances will be crucial if Heidenheim are to trouble Chelsea’s defense, particularly in front of their home fans.
On the other side, Chelsea will look to Christopher Nkunku, who has been their star man in the Conference League. The French forward has found the back of the net in all five of Chelsea’s European fixtures this season, with five of his six goals coming in the second half. His sharpness in front of goal and ability to exploit tired defenses make him a constant threat, especially against a Heidenheim side that has shown signs of vulnerability late in games.
While Heidenheim have impressed in Europe, their recent home form leaves much to be desired. They have failed to score in three of their last five matches at the Voith-Arena, a worrying trend when facing a side of Chelsea’s caliber. Schmidt will be hoping his team can rediscover their scoring touch, but it won’t be easy against a Chelsea defense that has been nearly impenetrable in Europe.
This match represents a fascinating clash of narratives. For Heidenheim, it’s a chance to continue their Cinderella story and claim a major scalp in their first European campaign. For Chelsea, it’s about maintaining their momentum and asserting their status as one of the tournament favorites. The contrast in experience, resources, and expectations couldn’t be more stark, but as football often reminds us, anything can happen over 90 minutes.
With both teams boasting 100% records, something will have to give. Will Heidenheim rise to the occasion and keep their European dream alive, or will Chelsea’s class and firepower prove too much for the Bundesliga newcomers? One thing is certain: the stage is set for a captivating encounter between David and Goliath in the heart of Germany.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
World Time Zone
| Europe | GMT |
 London | 17:45 |
| Edinburgh | 17:45 |
 Madrid | 18:45 |
 Lisbon | 17:45 |
 Berlin | 18:45 |
 Paris | 18:45 |
 Amsterdam | 18:45 |
 Rome | 18:45 |
 Belgrade | 18:45 |
 Sofia | 19:45 |
 Warshaw | 18:45 |
 Tirana | 18:45 |
 Istanbul | 19:45 |
 Kyiv | 19:45 |
 Moscow | 19:45 |
| North America | GMT |
 New York, New York City | 12:45 |
| Texas, Dallas | 11:45 |
| Utah, Salt Lake City | 10:45 |
| California, Santa Clara | 09:45 |
| Alaska, Anchorage | 08:45 |
 St. John’s | 14:45 |
| Halifax | 13:45 |
| Toronto | 12:45 |
| Winnipeg | 11:45 |
| Edmonton | 10:45 |
| Vancouver | 09:45 |
 Mexico City | 10:45 |
| South America | GMT |
 Sao Paulo | 13:45 |
 La Paz | 12:45 |
 Lima | 11:45 |
| Australia | GMT |
 Perth | 00:45 |
| Eucla | 01:30 |
| Darwin | 02:15 |
| Adelaide | 02:15 |
| Brisbane | 02:45 |
| Sydney | 02:45 |
| Asia | GMT |
 Mecca | 19:45 |
 Kabul | 21:15 |
 Karachi | 21:45 |
 New Dehli | 22:15 |
 Dhaka | 22:45 |
 Jakarta | 23:45 |
 Singapore | 00:45 |
 Kuala Lumpur | 00:45 |
| Africa | GMT |
 Accra | 16:45 |
 Porto Novo | 17:45 |
 Casablanca | 17:45 |
 Johannesburg | 18:45 |
 Cairo | 19:45 |
 Nairobi | 19:45 |
Where to watch Heidenheim vs Chelsea Live Stream and on Satellite TV?
beIN Sports MENA English 2 (Gbr),
SuperSport GOtv Football (Afr),
SuperSport Grandstand ROA (Afr),