Chelsea’s chances of securing automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stage took a hit after Atalanta came from behind to claim victory in Bergamo.
Both teams entered the match level on 10 points, each with three wins, one draw, and one loss in the group stage.
The contest remained tight for most of the match, but Chelsea edged ahead in the first half when Joao Pedro converted Reece James’ cross.
However, Atalanta remained dangerous in attack, with former Charlton and Everton forward Ademola Lookman consistently troubling Chelsea’s defence.
Reece James fired wide in the second half, but the hosts increased the intensity and eventually found a deserved equaliser when former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca nodded in a well-placed cross.
Alejandro Garnacho tested the keeper with a powerful shot, but Atalanta sealed the win late on as Chelsea’s defence allowed Charles De Ketelaere too much space, and he punished them with a low, driven finish.
Chelsea pushed for a late equaliser, but Marco Carnesecchi pulled off a brilliant save to deny Joao Pedro.
The defeat sees Chelsea slip out of the top eight, falling to 11th with two league phase matches left. Atalanta, meanwhile, climb to third, now three points clear of the Blues.
