Blues Endure Troubling December Opener as Italians Rally for Late Victory

CHELSEA’S journey in the Champions League encountered a significant hurdle as Gianluca Scamacca and Atalanta struck decisively.

The former West Ham forward equalised, with Charles De Ketelaere netting a late winner for the hosts.

After the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrations in Bergamo, Chelsea missed the chance for a pre-Christmas away victory in the Champions League.

Enzo Maresca’s squad has now suffered two losses and a draw in their three away games since returning to Europe’s top-tier competition.

Their last away win in this tournament was over three years ago against Red Bull Salzburg.

Next up, the Blues face a tough trip to Italy in January where they will take on Napoli and possibly their former coach Antonio Conte – if he remains at the helm.

Concerns are mounting regarding Chelsea’s ability to secure a top-eight position in the standings, which would keep them from facing a two-legged playoff to reach the Last 16.

The Blues have only themselves to blame after taking the lead with Joao Pedro’s first Champions League goal and failing to capitalize on at least one clear opportunity to extend their lead.

Chelsea’s performance throughout the match was subpar.

A mere six minutes in, Ademola Lookman broke through, with Robert Sanchez deflecting his shot with his leg. Chelsea was fortunate that De Ketelaere missed the follow-up from close range.

The next threat came down the right shortly after the introduction of former Chelsea full-back Davide Zappacosta as a substitute.

It felt nostalgic as Scamacca flicked on Zappacosta’s cross to Lookman, whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Josh Acheampong.

Marten de Roon missed a rebound chance.

However, after a dull period in attack, Chelsea unexpectedly took the lead.

Reece James believed he was onside from Enzo Fernandez’s pass before crossing for Pedro to score from close range.

A VAR review confirmed his assertion, correcting the assistant referee’s oversight.

The remainder of the half was uneventful as the match devolved into a scrappy contest.

Maresca brought in Wesley Fofana at halftime for Trevor Chalobah, who had been booked.

Atalanta’s Comeback

James could and probably should have extended Chelsea’s lead within six minutes, yet after his initial effort was blocked, the captain missed the target.

This miss quickly proved detrimental. Following a saved shot from Jamie Gittens, Scamacca found the net.

A cross from De Ketelaere was met by the former Hammer, who headed in from close range.

Shortly after, Sanchez dove to his left to thwart an improvised header by Scamacca, and the stadium atmosphere intensified.

Chelsea, on the back foot, needed adjustments from Maresca.

However, the changes were puzzling, with Malo Gusto and Alejandro Garnacho coming on for Fernandez and Pedro Neto.

Substitutions Fail to Impact

The Blues ended up with three right-backs on the pitch, a curious tactic to try to secure a win, which ultimately resulted in their downfall.

For a while, opportunities dwindled for both teams, and Garnacho’s attempt went straight into Carnesecchi’s hands.

Maresca had to substitute again as Fofana couldn’t recover from a head injury caused by Scamacca.

This disorder in Chelsea’s defense allowed De Ketelaere to take advantage.

The Belgian sprinted past a retreating Benoit Badiashile and Marc Cucurella, firing in a shot that deflected off the Spaniard for the winner.

Carnesecchi stopped Garnacho in the 90th minute, and Pedro’s scuffed effort at the final whistle as Atalanta celebrated a memorable victory.