Chelsea suffer Champions League defeat against Atalanta
Atalanta 2Scamacca (55′)
De Ketelaere (83′)
Chelsea 1Joao Pedro (25′)
Chelsea suffered a shock Champions League defeat in Italy – a blow to their hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16.
Joao Pedro put them in front but former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca equalised for the hosts and the impressive Charles de Ketelaere netted a late winner.
Chelsea took the lead when Reece James, who had stayed forward after a corner, crossed low from the left for Joao Pedro to nudge the ball in from close range. The goal stood following a lengthy VAR check for offside.
The opener came after youngster Josh Acheampong had prevented the Blues going behind by producing a superb block on the edge of the six-yard box to keep out Ademola Lookman’s goal-bound attempt.
James missed a great chance early in the second half, firing wide of the target, and the hosts took advantage of their reprieve by levelling through Scamacca’s header from De Ketelaere’s cross.
And De Ketelaere took advantage when Marc Cucurella backed away from him, sending a low shot beyond keeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea: Sanchez; Acheampong, Chalobah (Fofana 46) (Adarabioyo 76), Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto (Garnacho 67), Fernandez (Gusto 76), Gittens; Joao Pedro.
Subs not used: Jorgensen, Merrick, Hato, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Buonanotte, George, Guiu.
