Chelsea faced a setback in their Champions League ambitions following a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, primarily due to a late goal from Charles De Ketelaere. The loss leaves Chelsea struggling to break into the top eight of the competition.
Match Summary
Atalanta demonstrated their strength at home, having lost just once this season. In contrast, Chelsea has yet to secure an away win in Europe, with two losses and a draw in their recent outings.
Early Highlights
- Chelsea initially took the lead with a goal from Joao Pedro in the 25th minute.
- The goal was confirmed after VAR review, with both Pedro and Reece James ruled onside.
- Atalanta struggled in the first half but improved after halftime.
Turning Point of the Match
After missing a significant opportunity to extend their lead, Chelsea allowed Atalanta to equalize through Gianluca Scamacca, who scored from a cross delivered by De Ketelaere.
De Ketelaere’s shot, which deflected off Marc Cucurella, ultimately found the net, sealing Chelsea’s fate and confirming Atalanta’s current standing in the Champions League as they climbed to third place.
Chelsea’s Current Standing
As a result of this defeat, Chelsea dropped to 11th place in the Champions League standings, now two points away from the automatic round-of-16 spots. They have not won in their last four matches across all competitions.
Team Changes and Coach’s Insights
- Five changes were made to the Chelsea lineup following their recent draw against Bournemouth.
- Coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged losing control after conceding the equalizer.
Maresca noted the team’s struggles with frequent matches, highlighting the need for better performance in upcoming games to avoid further setbacks.
Upcoming Matches
Chelsea’s next Champions League fixtures are crucial for their aspirations to remain competitive:
- January 21: Pafos (home)
- January 28: Napoli (away)
Winning both matches will be essential for Chelsea to secure a place in the top eight and avoid a playoff situation.
