Chelsea have have taken the lead against Atalanta through Joao Pedro after a slow start and being second best in the opening exchanges.
It was a really well worked goal, with the Blues working the ball out to Reece James, who put in a brilliant cross, and Pedro applying a poachers finish in the box.
It was brilliant awareness from Pedro, who’s been struggling recently and only had two goals in his previous 18 appearances.
Joao Pedro gives Chelsea the lead
You can see the goal embedded in the clip here:
João Pedro has his first Champions League goal 😮💨
A lengthy VAR check but the forward slides in to meet Reece James' cross@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/jLdnJykTvp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 9, 2025
Chelsea need to kill the game off
Atalanta started the game quickly and Chelsea were on the back foot, and were fortunate not to be a goal or two down.
Robert Sanchez made a good save, and Josh Acheampong made a brilliant goal saving block, which almost certainly would have resulted in a goal.
Joao Pedro in action for Chelsea.
Pedro gives Chelsea the lead from close range. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Chelsea have settled into the game more and have taken the sting out of it, which is certainly benefitting them.
Enzo Maresca will be desperate for his side to get a second goal and kill the game off, in what is a must win game in order to finish in the top eight and avoid two extra play-off games in the new year.
Enzo Maresca makes five changes
After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Bournemouth, Maresca made another five changes for tonight’s clash in Italy.
Acheampong was handed his first Champions League start, and seems to be dealing with the occasion well, whilst Jamie Gittens and Pedro were also handed starts.
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Raheem Sterling with a Chelsea logo.
Josh Acheampong playing for Chelsea.
Chelsea players and manager Enzo Maresca in a montage. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
James was once again given the nod in midfield, whilst Moises Caicedo returned to the team, and Benoit Badiashile replaced Wesley Fofana at centre half.
So far Chelsea have recovered well from a shaky start, but you can’t help but feel a second goal is required to give the Blues breathing space and dent the Atalanta confidence.