Atalanta came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in their Champions League encounter on Tuesday, boosting their hopes of direct qualification for the round of 16.
The Bergamo side moved near the top of the group standings with 13 points following goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere, while Chelsea dropped into the knockout phase play-off places on 10 points.
Chelsea took the lead in the 25th minute through Joao Pedro, who capitalised on a quickly taken corner. Reece James delivered a precise low cross into the box, which Pedro swept home. A brief VAR check confirmed the forward was onside, allowing the goal to stand.
The visitors maintained control for much of the first half, but Atalanta returned after the break with renewed urgency. The hosts thought they had drawn level when Ademola Lookman tapped in a cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Atalanta’s pressure eventually paid off in the 55th minute when De Ketelaere worked space on the flank and lifted a cross into the area. Scamacca broke free from his marker and guided a header into the net to make it 1-1.
Chelsea struggled to contain Atalanta’s pace and width as the Italians grew in confidence. With seven minutes remaining in normal time, De Ketelaere drove into the box and fired a low shot that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could not keep out, sealing the comeback victory.
Chelsea pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages and created several late opportunities, but their efforts were either saved or narrowly missed the target, as Atalanta held on for a significant win.
