Atalanta mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Chelsea 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Charles De Ketelaere delivering a commanding performance that prolonged the Blues’ winless streak to four matches.
Chelsea had taken control in the first half in Bergamo after Joao Pedro scored his first-ever Champions League goal, but their grip on the game weakened after the break. Former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca equalised, benefiting from De Ketelaere’s precise delivery. The Belgian attacker later sealed the victory with a late strike that highlighted his growing influence on the European stage.
Chelsea were unable to contain De Ketelaere throughout the match. The forward, who has now amassed six goals and seven assists across his last 12 Champions League appearances, routinely troubled the visitors with his vision and movement.
Since their stunning 3-0 victory over Barcelona on November 25, Chelsea have not won a single game in any competition. Enzo Maresca’s side, currently 11th, remain on 10 points from six league phase matches, leaving their hopes of securing a top-eight finish—which guarantees automatic qualification for the round of 16—increasingly uncertain. Their final group fixtures will be played in January when they host Pafos and later travel to Napoli.
Atalanta, sitting third, have enjoyed an exceptional Champions League campaign, securing victories over Club Brugge, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt, and now Chelsea, as they push for a place in the last 16.
Maresca opted for five changes from the Premier League stalemate at Bournemouth, resting Cole Palmer after his recent return from injury. Teenage standout Estevao, who scored three Champions League goals including a star-making display against Barcelona, was omitted from the squad.
Chelsea were sluggish in the opening stages and nearly conceded within minutes when Ademola Lookman’s mazy run resulted in a dangerous cross that deflected off goalkeeper Robert Sanchez before being cleared. The visitors struggled to build momentum, with Enzo Fernandez skying a rare early chance, while Lookman continued to threaten until Josh Acheampong intervened with a crucial block.
Acheampong’s spirited reaction to his defensive heroics seemed to lift Chelsea, who shortly afterward took the lead in the 25th minute. Joao Pedro’s sharp finish from Reece James’ delivery was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR confirmed the forward was onside. It was only Pedro’s third goal in his last 16 appearances for the club.
James came close to widening the lead early in the second half, firing narrowly wide from distance. That miss proved costly as Atalanta responded shortly after. De Ketelaere swung in a well-placed ball to the far post, catching Chelsea’s defence unaware and allowing Scamacca to arrive unmarked for a close-range header.
Scamacca continued to exploit Chelsea’s defensive gaps and nearly struck again with a glancing effort that Sanchez managed to push aside. Sensing the need for a spark, Maresca brought on Alejandro Garnacho, who immediately forced a save from Marco Carnesecchi.
Despite the substitution, Chelsea’s defensive frailties persisted. In the 83rd minute, De Ketelaere drifted forward unchecked and unleashed a strike from the edge of the area that deflected off Marc Cucurella and into the net, sealing Atalanta’s deserved victory.
What You Should Know
This Champions League encounter underscored Atalanta’s strength and tactical sharpness as they battled back from a goal down to secure a significant win over Chelsea.
Charles De Ketelaere’s standout performance highlighted both his creativity and goal-scoring threat, while Chelsea’s ongoing struggles revealed a team grappling with inconsistency and defensive lapses.
Enzo Maresca’s side, already enduring a difficult spell, now face crucial fixtures with their hopes of progressing in the competition hanging in the balance. Atalanta’s surge continues as they aim for a place in the knockout stage.
