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Match Summary

• The Chelsea forward hands Chelsea the advantage in the opening period.
• Atalanta the stronger side after the interval and draw level through the striker.
• The Belgian attacker scores a late winner for the home side.
• The defeat means Chelsea slide to eleventh place in the league phase of the tournament.
• The leading eight teams qualify automatically for the knockouts.

The London club's chances of qualifying automatically for the Champions League knockout stages were dealt a blow as their Italian opponents overturned a deficit to claim victory in their home stadium.

The two teams went into this game with matching points tallies in the initial stage of this year's tournament, having secured three victories, tied one, and lost to have accrued 10 points.

For much of the game there was little to choose between them in this encounter too, although Chelsea went ahead in the first half when Joao Pedro finished Reece James' delivery.

But Atalanta remained a danger going on the attack, with former Charlton and Everton attacker causing problems for the defence.

Reece James shot wide in the second half but Atalanta increased the pressure and rightfully equalised when former West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca a cross.

The winger drove a powerful shot straight at the keeper but Atalanta secured the winner late on when the Chelsea defenders retreated from Charles de Ketelaere, who seized the opportunity with a powerful finish.

Chelsea attempted to salvage a draw late on but a superb stop by Marco Carnesecchi kept out Joao Pedro.

The outcome means Chelsea drop out of the top eight—the spots that progress automatically for the knockouts—to eleventh with two group stage matches remaining.

The Bergamo club, meanwhile, climb up to third place, three points ahead of the Londoners.

Chelsea Analysis - Concerning Run Continues

This was a hugely disappointing outcome for Chelsea as even a point was keeping them well placed to secure the top-eight position they require to avoid the lottery of the play-offs.

But they lacked concentration in defence with seven minutes left on the clock and Atalanta capitalised completely.

The Italians are in good form at the moment so this was always going to be a tough test for the Blues, but they will be annoyed to be leaving with no points after taking the early advantage.

But the bigger picture is that this continues Chelsea's worrying streak of form in all competitions.

Since beating Barcelona 3-0 at the close of November they are now without a win in their last four matches.

Too Many Rotations Turning Out to Be Costly?

Chelsea boss Maresca made five alterations for this match as he continued his strategy of moving players in and out of the starting 11.

The changes here came after he implemented the same number for the loss to Leeds and six for the draw with AFC Bournemouth prior to the trip to Atalanta.

The coach will see squad rotation as necessary as he attempts to handle players' workloads and challenge both at domestically and in Europe, but he stated the key nucleus of players stays the same for important games.

"I think tonight [in] the starting lineup we had eight or nine players who played against Tottenham, Barcelona, and Arsenal," he commented.

"If you look at the five changes that we made compared to the previous game it may be a change but it is the eight or nine players playing Barcelona.

"The ones who took to the field this evening are the ones playing almost all the matches."

What's Next for These Clubs?

The Blues' next Champions League game sees them welcome Pafos on Wednesday, 21 January (8pm GMT).

Atalanta, meanwhile, are at home to Athletic Bilbao at the same time.