Chelsea were left to rue some poor defending as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in the Champions League against Atalanta.
Enzo Maresca has faced criticism for his in-game management, highlighted by Chelsea fans’ anger at Tosin Adarabioyo being subbed on despite the Blues having five defenders already on the pitch.
There were a number of disappointing performances from Chelsea players. Enzo Fernandez struggled in particular despite being joined again by Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.
What is behind Enzo Fernandez’s poor form?
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After Joao Pedro had given the Blues the lead, Gianluca Scamacca had the freedom of the penalty area to level the game, before Charles De Ketelaere had driven a strike past Robert Sanchez to give Atalanta the lead.
Atalanta BC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Charles De Ketelaere surprised how easy Chelsea made his goal for Atalanta
There were initially some fingers pointed at the goalkeeper for how he dealt with the shot, although the goalscorer himself was more surprised at Chelsea’s defending in the build-up.
De Ketelaere told TNT Sports that he was stunned to be given the amount of space he had, whilst also stating that the Italian side knew they had a better chance of scoring after the break.
He said: “No [I didn’t expect to have that much space]. I felt them kept dropping back. I’m a bit lucky with the deflection, but it’s in. It’s a beautiful victory.
“We knew they have a lot of goals scored against them in the second half.”
Enzo Maresca talking to Josh Acheampong during Chelsea vs Atalanta
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s Champions League woes continue
The Blues slipped outside of the top eight of the group stages, and it now looks more likely they will need a play-off to get into the Champions League Round of 16.
Chelsea have not picked up a win away from home in the competition, and will go the whole group stage without a victory if they do not beat Antonio Conte’s Napoli side.
The Blues are facing a nightmare run of fixtures that coincides with a midweek game in every week up until March.
A 12-year run snapped by Atalanta…
Bonus points if you can tell us who was managing Chelsea the last time this happened 👀
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With it now no wins in four, pressure is on Chelsea to deliver a victory against Everton before serious questions are asked of Maresca in charge.
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