Football React | Atalanta 2 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea’s prospects of securing an automatic place in the Champions League knockouts suffered a setback 

Atalanta recovered from a goal down to claim victory in Bergamo.

Author | Lauren W

Stadium | New Balance Arena

View from the away end

Both teams arrived with identical records in this season’s league phase, each collecting ten points from three wins, a draw and a defeat. There was little between them for long spells here, although Chelsea edged ahead in the first half when Joao Pedro converted Reece James’ cross.

Atalanta, though, were consistently dangerous on the break, with former Charlton and Everton forward Ademola Lookman a persistent menace. James went close after the interval but the hosts increased the pressure and were rewarded when former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca guided a header into the net.

Alejandro Garnacho forced a firm save soon after, yet Atalanta struck again late on as the Chelsea defence allowed Charles de Ketelaere space to drive a low finish beyond the goalkeeper.

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser in the closing moments but Marco Carnesecchi’s excellent stop denied Pedro and ensured the points stayed in Italy.

The defeat drops Chelsea to 11th in the standings, outside the top eight positions that guarantee automatic progress, with two league phase fixtures left. Atalanta climb to third, three points clear of the London side.

Best Chelsea fans reaction

View from the stands pre match

Tony: I think the constant reshuffling of the starting 11 is taking its toll. Or perhaps the team has switched off early for Christmas. It might be a blend of both. After the draw with Arsenal, Chelsea have fallen short from the dugout to the pitch. There was so much promise but it is not being matched by the performances of the manager or the players.

Mohamad: To compete among Europe’s leading sides, whether in the league or the Champions League, consistency is essential. Chelsea alter their line-up every match. Sometimes that is dictated by injuries but you still need a team that understands each other’s instincts and next moves. Too many defensive lapses and too little threat up front are undermining progress.

Ken: The club needs a proven, top-level coach. Maresca is not yet operating at the standard required to handle a major club with elite players.

Neil: This notion that Maresca holds, that players cannot manage two matches a week, where has it come from? Is it coming from the players or the medical staff? The great Chelsea managers, Jose, Conte, Tuchel and the rest, selected largely the same team week after week in the Premier League and Champions League and the players never complained. We need a settled core of starters with only minimal rotation.