Chelsea’s chances of automatically finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group stage took a big hit on Tuesday night. The Blues were upset after losing 2-1 to Atalanta despite leading in the first half. Enzo Maresca’s team looked like they were in charge at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, but they ended up with nothing after the Italian team made a strong comeback.
The Blues started the night off well when Joao Pedro scored the first goal of the game, giving the visitors the lead. But the edge didn’t last long. Atalanta answered back with a goal from Gianluca Scamacca, a former West Ham United striker. He rose highest to head the ball past Robert Sanchez and tie the game after the break.
The hosts took control in the second half, which was the turning point. Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere scored a stunning long-range goal that went through Sanchez’s fingers and gave the Serie A team all three points. The result puts Chelsea in a tough spot when it comes to automatically qualifying for the Round of 16, which puts more pressure on their remaining European games.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Enzo Maresca needs to quickly get his team back together because they will be playing Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 13, in a crucial Premier League game.
The game is sure to be a high-stakes one, since the Blues are working to hold onto Champions League spots or even rise in the ranks. Chelsea is in fifth place with 25 points, and the Toffees are in sixth place with just one point less.
Everton will come to West London in good shape, having won four of their last five games. Saturday gives the Blues a chance to quickly move on from the disappointment of Bergamo and strengthen their unlikely push for the Premier League title.