By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, December 10 2025 - Chelsea saw their Champions League hopes take a major hit as they fell to a 2–1 defeat away to Atalanta in a dramatic encounter on Tuesday night in Bergamo.
Despite taking an early lead, the Blues were unable to hold on after a second-half comeback from the Serie A side, leaving their chances of a top-eight finish in jeopardy.
Chelsea looked on course for a crucial win when Joao Pedro netted the opening goal in the 25th minute, capitalising on a Reece James cross to give the visitors the advantage at half-time.
The goal was confirmed after a VAR check, and for much of the first half it appeared Chelsea might control the match.
However, the second half told a very different story. Atalanta emerged with renewed intensity and equalised through Gianluca Scamacca, who met a precise delivery to head home in the 55th minute.
The Italian side continued to press, and with the game edging towards its closing stages, Chelsea’s defence was breached again. Charles De Ketelaere fired home a late winner in the 83rd minute, sealing the comeback and completing a stunning turnaround.
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The loss continues a recent troubling run for Chelsea, who have now gone several matches without a win across all competitions, putting pressure on manager Enzo Maresca.
Speaking after the game, Maresca admitted his side “lost control” in the second half after conceding, acknowledging that Chelsea failed to manage the game effectively once Atalanta shifted momentum.
The result moves Atalanta closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League Round of 16, placing them comfortably in the top eight of the group standings. The path now becomes significantly more difficult for Chelsea.
The Blues sit outside the automatic spots and face an uphill battle to avoid the knockout phase play-off round, with key fixtures still to come.
Chelsea supporters will hope this performance becomes a learning point as the team prepares for upcoming challenges in both European and domestic competitions.
