The Champions League fixture Atalanta vs Chelsea ended in disappointment for the Blues as they fell 2–1 in Bergamo on Tuesday. Charles De Ketelaere delivered a match-winning performance, leading Atalanta’s comeback with an assist and a late decisive strike.
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the first-half lead with his first Champions League goal. However, Chelsea lost control after halftime, allowing Gianluca Scamacca to equalise before De Ketelaere secured the win.
The Belgium forward continued his impressive form, now with six goals and seven assists in his last 12 Champions League appearances.
Chelsea Winless Run Continues
Chelsea have not won in four straight matches across all competitions since their 3–0 win over Barcelona on November 25. With 10 points from six league phase games, their hopes of finishing in the top eight remain uncertain.
Their last two fixtures in January — against Pafos at Stamford Bridge and Napoli away — may determine their Champions League destiny.
Atalanta remain firmly in the race for qualification after victories over Club Brugge, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Chelsea.
Match Highlights from Atalanta vs Chelsea
Enzo Maresca made five changes to the squad that drew 0–0 with Bournemouth. Cole Palmer was rested and teenage standout Estevao did not feature.
Atalanta were quick out of the blocks. Ademola Lookman caused problems and nearly forced an early goal.
VAR awarded Chelsea’s opener after Pedro’s strike was initially ruled offside. Reece James narrowly missed a second after the break, firing wide from the edge of the area.
Atalanta capitalised on Chelsea’s drop in intensity. De Ketelaere created the equaliser with a perfect cross for Scamacca to head home. Minutes later, Sanchez prevented a second with a full-stretch save.
Substitute Alejandro Garnacho tested Marco Carnesecchi, but Chelsea could not regain momentum. In the 83rd minute, De Ketelaere struck a deflected effort past the keeper to seal the victory.
