Chelsea suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at Atalanta as the Italian side overturned an early deficit, leaving the Blues’ Champions League progress in jeopardy.
Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead shortly before halftime, meeting a pinpoint Reece James delivery to finish calmly. But the momentum shifted after the break, with Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere turning the game around and securing a crucial victory for the hosts.
The result places Chelsea into a bad position in the group, now sitting 11th in the standings under the competition’s new format. The team must climb into the top eight to avoid additional knockout play-offs in the new year, making each upcoming fixture increasingly significant.
Speaking to the club’s media after the match, Pedro delivered a rather blunt assessment of the second half and urged his teammates not to lose concentration. He said the side had controlled the opening period and created chances to extend their lead, but conceded that an early second-half equaliser and the ensuing atmosphere swung the tie in Atalanta’s favour.
“In the first half we were in control and looked dangerous,” Pedro reflected. “But once they scored early after the restart, their supporters lifted them and it became very difficult. If you concede twice in quick succession at this level it’s hard to recover. We must learn and stay focused for what’s next.”
The defeat continues a run of inconsistent form for Enzo Maresca’s squad. After an encouraging 3-0 win over Barcelona late last month, Chelsea have produced a string of mixed results domestically — including a goalless draw with Arsenal, a 3-1 loss at Leeds and another stalemate away at Bournemouth.
Maresca is expected to make tactical tweaks for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with an in-form Everton side at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer did not feature in Bergamo by design, and Estevao remained unused as a substitute, indicating both could return to the starting XI this weekend.
With Liam Delap sidelined for around four weeks following a shoulder injury sustained against Bournemouth, Pedro looks set to lead the forward line through the congested holiday schedule.
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