Chelsea’s hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League suffered a setback as they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday night.
The Premier League side took the lead in the first half through Joao Pedro but were undone after the break as Gianluca Scamacca equalised before Charles De Ketelaere struck late to seal the win for the Serie A club.
Atalanta, who have lost just once at home this season, started strongly and almost went ahead early on, only for a crucial block from Josh Acheampong to deny Ademola Lookman on his first Champions League start.
Chelsea made the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Reece James delivered a driven cross that Joao Pedro converted. An offside flag was initially raised, but a VAR review confirmed both players were onside and the goal stood.
The visitors had an opportunity to double their advantage early in the second half, but James missed a clear chance, and they were made to pay soon after. De Ketelaere delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which former West Ham striker Scamacca headed past Robert Sanchez to level the score.
Atalanta maintained control as the match progressed and eventually found the winner through De Ketelaere. The Belgian forward’s effort took a deflection off Marc Cucurella and beat Sanchez to give the hosts the lead. It marked De Ketelaere’s second consecutive Champions League match with multiple goal contributions.
Chelsea pushed for a late equaliser, creating chances through Alejandro Garnacho, James and Joao Pedro, but failed to convert.
The defeat leaves Chelsea without an away win in Europe this season and extends their winless run to four matches in all competitions. They drop out of the top eight in the Champions League standings and sit 11th, two points off the automatic qualification places. Atalanta move up to third in the table.
Chelsea’s remaining league-phase Champions League fixtures are against Pafos at home on January 21 and Napoli away on January 28.