Charles De Ketelaere inspired Atalanta’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, extending the Blues’ winless run to four matches.
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea a first-half lead in Bergamo with his maiden Champions League goal, initially ruled out for offside before being awarded after VAR intervention. But Enzo Maresca’s side faded after the break, allowing former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to head in the equaliser from De Ketelaere’s pinpoint cross.
De Ketelaere — who has now registered six goals and seven assists in his last 12 Champions League outings — proved unstoppable for Chelsea’s defence, capping his influential display with an 83rd-minute winner that deflected off Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea, without teenage sensation Estevao and with Cole Palmer rested, struggled for fluency throughout. Ademola Lookman repeatedly threatened early on, forcing important interventions from Robert Sanchez and Josh Acheampong. Though Joao Pedro’s opener briefly settled the visitors, Reece James’ narrow miss early in the second half proved costly before Atalanta seized control.
The defeat leaves 11th-placed Chelsea on 10 points after six league-phase matches, with their hopes of a top-eight finish — and automatic passage to the last 16 — under severe pressure. They close the round with fixtures against Pafos at Stamford Bridge and Napoli away in January.
Atalanta, meanwhile, continue an impressive campaign, adding Chelsea to their list of victims after wins over Club Brugge, Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt as they push for a last-16 spot.
