Chelsea’s hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League knockouts suffered a blow as Atalanta came from behind to win 2-1 in Bergamo. João Pedro gave Chelsea the lead in the first half, turning in a Reece James cross, but Atalanta equalised through Gianluca Scamacca before Charles de Ketelaere struck late for the hosts. Both sides entered the match on identical 10-point records in the league stage.
The defeat leaves Chelsea in 11th place, outside the top eight automatic qualifiers, while Atalanta leapfrogs to third. Chelsea struggled to maintain defensive focus in the closing stages despite creating late chances. Marco Carnesecchi made a key save to deny Pedro as the Blues failed to rescue a point. Chelsea now faces Pafos in their next league-stage match on 21 January.
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