Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the last eight of the Champions League ended as they lost 2-1 to Atalanta thanks to a late goal from Charles de Quetelaere.
The Serie A team has only lost once at home this season, but Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to win away from home, with two losses and one draw. They are currently winless in their last four games in all competitions.
Atalanta got off to a bright start and would have gone through had it not been for a sensational block from Josh Achiampong to deny Ademola Lookman his first start in the Champions League.
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Michael Dawson has given his verdict on Chelsea’s loss to Atalanta in the Champions League.
Chelsea took the lead in the 25th minute. Reece James’s sharp cross was scored by Joao Pedro, but the offside flag was immediately raised.
The forward waved his finger in disapproval, and he was right. After VAR intervention, both James and João Pedro were found to be onside and the goal was awarded.
Joao Pedro scores Chelsea’s first goal
Atalanta had not scored in the first half of their European games this season and although they were unable to end that run, they found the back of the net just after half-time. But before that, James missed a huge chance to double Chelsea’s lead.
De Quetelaere sent in a great cross which found former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to equalize for the home side.
Gianluca Scamacca equalizes for Atalanta
Atalanta kept up the pressure and always looked the most likely to score another point. De Quetelaere, who was in great form, also had a chance to win, but his shot deflected off Marc Cucurella, who was retreating from the forwards, and went off the outstretched hand of Robert Sanchez.
It was the second consecutive game in which the Belgian was involved in two goals, helping Atalanta move into third place in the Champions League.
Chelsea missed chances in the closing stages through Alejandro Garnacho, James and João Pedro, resulting in them dropping out of the top eight. They are currently 11th in the table, just two points away from an automatic spot in the Round of 16.
Maresca: He seems to be struggling to play every two days.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca:
“We were ahead in the first half and controlled the game well. We probably could have avoided the two goals we conceded in a short period of time, the two easy goals.”
“After the first goal, we lost control of the game a little bit. Also, we’re playing every two days. We looked like we were struggling a little bit. We also tried to be aggressive.”
“We had another chance to make it 2-0, especially with Reece (James), and when we conceded 1-1, it changed the course of the game a little bit.”
On substituting Trev Chalobá at half-time: “Trev plays every game, so it was a little bit planned. Also, Trev had a yellow card, so for both reasons.”
