Chelsea's hopes of a top-eight finish in the Champions League took a blow as they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta thanks to a late goal from Charles De Ketelaere.
The Serie A side have lost only once at home this season, while Enzo Maresca's side are yet to win away in Europe, having now lost twice and drawn once. They are now winless in their last four games in all competitions.
Atalanta began brightly and would have gone ahead were it not for a sensational block from Josh Acheampong to deny Ademola Lookman on his first Champions League start.
Chelsea's Joao Pedro, left, scores the opening goal past Atalanta's goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atalanta and Chelsea, in Bergamo, Italy, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Image: Joao Pedro opened the scoring for Chelsea
Chelsea made the initial breakthrough in the 25th minute. Reece James' fizzing cross was finished by Joao Pedro, but the offside flag immediately went up.
The forward wagged his finger in disagreement - and he was right. VAR stepped in and found both James and Joao Pedro were onside, and the goal was given.
Atalanta had not scored in the first half of a European game this season, and while they couldn't end that particular run they did find the net shortly after half-time - but not before James missed a huge chance to double Chelsea's lead.
The hosts equalised when De Ketelaere sent in a superb cross for former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to nod home.
Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca scores his side's first goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atalanta and Chelsea, in Bergamo, Italy, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Image: Gianluca Scamacca equalised for Atalanta
Atalanta maintained their pressure, and always looked the most likely to score another. The in-form De Ketelaere had a slice of luck with his winner too as his shot deflected off Marc Cucurella - who was backing off the forward - and fizzed through the outstretched hand of Robert Sanchez.
It is the second game in a row the Belgian has registered two goal involvements, with Atalanta now up to third in the Champions League table.
Chelsea saw late chances from Alejandro Garnacho, James and Joao Pedro go begging, and as a result, they drop out of the top eight. They are now 11th, two points from the automatic round-of-16 spots.
Team news
Chelsea made five changes from their draw against Bournemouth. Liam Delap was taken off injured and did not feature, with Cole Palmer also rested. Alejandro Garnacho also dropped to the bench.
Wesley Fofana was among the substitutes, as was Malo Gusto.
Moises Caicedo returned to the XI amid his domestic ban, with Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile also into the starting line-up.
Story of the match in stats...
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