De Ketelaere Leads Atalanta’s Comeback as Chelsea’s Winless Run Stretches to Four in Champions League Defeat

Charles De Ketelaere produced a masterful performance to spearhead Atalanta’s 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea in the Champions League, deepening the Blues’ struggles as their winless streak extended to four matches on Tuesday night in Bergamo.

Chelsea had taken a first-half lead through Joao Pedro, who scored his first Champions League goal after converting Reece James’ low cross from close range. The goal, initially ruled out for offside, was awarded after VAR confirmed Pedro had timed his run correctly. But despite their early advantage, Enzo Maresca’s side faded badly after the break.

Former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca equalised in the 55th minute after De Ketelaere picked out an inviting cross to the far post — the Belgian’s vision and composure undoing Chelsea’s defensive shape. Scamacca rose unmarked to nod home, beginning a shift in momentum that Chelsea never recovered from.

Atalanta’s winner arrived in the 83rd minute, and again De Ketelaere was at the heart of the action. Allowed too much space as he drifted to the edge of the area, he struck a powerful effort that took a deflection off Marc Cucurella and wrong-footed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The goal crowned a superb night for the Belgian forward, who has now produced six goals and seven assists across his last 12 Champions League appearances.

The defeat leaves Chelsea’s hopes of reaching the top eight in the league phase — and securing automatic qualification to the last 16 — hanging in the balance. They sit 11th with 10 points from six matches, and must now take maximum points from their final January fixtures against Pafos at home and Napoli away.

For Atalanta, the win consolidates an impressive campaign that has already seen them defeat Club Brugge, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt, and now Chelsea. The Italian side, currently third, continue to push strongly for a place in the last 16.

Chelsea’s evening had started shakily. Ademola Lookman repeatedly threatened down the left, forcing a crucial intervention from Josh Acheampong, who celebrated his last-ditch block with clenched fists. Enzo Fernandez missed an early chance, firing over from distance, while James narrowly failed to double Chelsea’s lead shortly after the interval.

But as the second half progressed, Chelsea became increasingly lethargic, prompting Maresca to turn to Alejandro Garnacho from the bench. The substitute tested Marco Carnesecchi almost immediately, but the Blues’ defensive frailties ultimately proved their undoing.

The absence of teenage sensation Estevao — who scored three Champions League goals this season and shone against Barcelona — was notable, as Maresca opted for a rotated squad after Saturday’s goalless draw with Bournemouth.

In contrast, Atalanta grew stronger as the match wore on, driven by the creativity and relentless pressure of De Ketelaere. Scamacca nearly added a second moments after equalising, but Sanchez produced an acrobatic save to keep Chelsea momentarily afloat.

In the end, Atalanta’s persistence paid off, leaving Chelsea facing mounting pressure as their European campaign edges toward a critical point.

Maresca must now rally an increasingly fragile squad, with January’s fixtures likely to determine their Champions League fate.