Bergamo proved a punishing venue for Chelsea on , as Atalanta mounted a second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory and significantly complicate the Blues’ Champions League ambitions. Joao Pedro had given Chelsea the lead in the first half, but goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere condemned Enzo Maresca’s side to a defeat that leaves their hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread.
The match began brightly for Chelsea, with Joao Pedro finding the net in the 25th minute. The goal, initially flagged for offside, stood after a VAR review confirmed both Reece James and Pedro were onside during the build-up. The Brazilian forward now boasts a season-best tally of 11 Premier League goals, equaling his previous career high. Despite the early breakthrough, Chelsea were unable to capitalize on their momentum and extend their advantage.
Atalanta, consistently dangerous throughout the first half, particularly through the efforts of Ademola Lookman, began to assert themselves after the interval. Lookman, a former Charlton and Everton winger, consistently troubled the Chelsea defense with his pace and direct running. Chelsea’s opportunity to double their lead was squandered when Reece James missed a clear chance, a miss that proved costly as Atalanta responded swiftly.
The equalizer arrived in the 55th minute courtesy of Gianluca Scamacca, the former West Ham striker, who rose highest to power home a header. Scamacca’s goal shifted the momentum decisively in Atalanta’s favor, exposing vulnerabilities in the Chelsea defense. The Blues’ struggles were compounded by a lack of defensive solidity, leaving space for the Italian side to exploit.
The decisive blow came in the dying minutes, as Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on hesitation within the Chelsea backline. Left unmarked, the Belgian striker fired a low, driven shot past Robert Sanchez, sealing the victory for Atalanta. Despite a late push for an equalizer, Chelsea were denied by a world-class save from Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who thwarted Joao Pedro’s attempt.
The result leaves Chelsea in a precarious position in the group, currently 11th, outside the automatic qualification places. Atalanta, meanwhile, leapfrog to third, establishing a three-point lead over Chelsea with two group stage matches remaining. Chelsea will now need to secure victories in both of their remaining fixtures, including a challenging trip to face Napoli in January, to avoid dropping into the play-off round.
This defeat extends Chelsea’s worrying run of form across all competitions. The Blues have now gone four consecutive games without a win, raising questions about consistency and squad depth. Their last victory came on , in a 3-0 triumph over Barcelona, a result that now feels distant. Manager Enzo Maresca’s rotation policy has also come under scrutiny, with five changes made to the starting XI for this game following similar adjustments in recent league matches.
The match also highlighted defensive concerns for Chelsea. Josh Acheampong, making his first start since October, made a crucial block to deny Ademola Lookman in the first half, preventing an early goal. However, the overall defensive performance was lacking, particularly in conceding space for Scamacca and De Ketelaere to exploit. The late goal conceded underscored a pattern of defensive lapses that have plagued Chelsea in recent weeks.
Atalanta’s victory was built on a strong home record, having lost only once at their stadium this season. Their ability to capitalize on Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities proved decisive, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. The result demonstrates Atalanta’s growing ambition in the Champions League and their potential to progress deep into the competition.
For Chelsea, the defeat represents a significant setback in their Champions League campaign. The team’s inability to maintain a lead and secure crucial points raises serious questions about their ability to compete with Europe’s elite. Maresca will need to address the team’s defensive frailties and find a way to restore consistency if Chelsea are to salvage their Champions League hopes. The upcoming match against Napoli will be a pivotal moment in their season, with the pressure mounting to deliver a positive result.
