Charles De Ketelaere delivered a brilliant performance as Atalanta overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Chelsea 2–1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, extending the Blues’ winless run to four games.
Joao Pedro scored his first-ever Champions League goal to give Chelsea the lead in Bergamo, but the Premier League side faded after the break. Former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca equalised before De Ketelaere — who assisted the leveller — capped an impressive outing with the decisive late goal.
The Belgian forward was a constant menace, continuing his fine European form with six goals and seven assists in his last 12 Champions League appearances.
Chelsea have failed to win any match since their 3–0 triumph over Barcelona on November 25. Enzo Maresca’s side, sitting 11th in the league phase standings, remain on 10 points from six games, leaving their hopes of a top-eight finish — and automatic qualification for the last 16 — in a precarious position.
The Blues close out the league phase in January with fixtures against Pafos at home and Napoli away.
Atalanta, meanwhile, strengthened their push for the knockout rounds, having recorded victories over Club Brugge, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt and now Chelsea this season.
Maresca made five changes from the weekend’s goalless draw at Bournemouth, opting to rest Cole Palmer after his return from a two-month injury layoff. Rising star Estevão, who has scored three Champions League goals this season, was also left out.
Chelsea Start Slowly
The visitors nearly fell behind early when Ademola Lookman danced into the box and forced a deflection off goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, only for Chelsea to scramble the ball clear.
Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm, and Enzo Fernández wastefully fired over when well placed. Lookman continued to trouble the defence, but Josh Acheampong produced a superb block to keep the scores level.
Chelsea capitalised moments later, taking the lead in the 25th minute. Joao Pedro slotted in from close range after meeting Reece James’ cross. The goal was initially flagged for offside, but VAR overturned the decision. It was Pedro’s third goal in his last 16 appearances.
James came close to doubling the advantage early in the second half but dragged his effort narrowly wide — a miss that proved costly.
Atalanta Take Control
Atalanta equalised in the 55th minute when De Ketelaere floated a teasing cross to the back post, where Scamacca arrived unmarked to head past Sánchez. The Italian forward nearly struck again minutes later, but Sánchez reacted sharply to tip away his header.
Maresca introduced Alejandro Garnacho in search of renewed energy, and the substitute forced a save from Marco Carnesecchi with his first involvement.
But Atalanta’s pressure paid off late. In the 83rd minute, De Ketelaere drifted forward unchallenged and unleashed a powerful effort that deflected off Marc Cucurella and into the net, sealing the comeback.
