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Chelsea’s bid to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stage suffered a setback as Atalanta came from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 win in Bergamo.
Both teams entered the match with identical group records—three wins, one draw, and one loss—sitting on 10 points.
In a match reported by the BBC, Chelsea took the lead in the first half when Joao Pedro converted Reece James’ cross, but Atalanta remained a constant threat, with former Charlton and Everton forward Ademola Lookman causing problems.
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Chelsea had a chance to extend their lead in the second half, but James’ effort went wide. Atalanta intensified the pressure and deservedly equalised through ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca’s header.
Late in the game, Charles de Ketelaere capitalised on a lapse in the Chelsea defence, driving a shot past the goalkeeper to hand Atalanta the win.
Chelsea pushed for a late equaliser, with Alejandro Garnacho firing straight at the keeper and Pedro’s effort denied by a superb save from Marco Carnesecchi.
The defeat drops Chelsea to 11th in the group, outside the automatic knockout spots, with two matches remaining. Atalanta leapfrogs to third, three points ahead of the Blues.
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