Champions League: Atalanta defeat leaves Chelsea top-eight hopes in jeopardy

Champions League: Atalanta defeat leaves Chelsea top-eight hopes in jeopardy

Chelsea’s hopes of finishing top-eight in the UEFA Champions League suffered a major blow after a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta on Tuesday night.

The Serie A side have now lost only once at home this season, while Enzo Maresca’s team remain winless away in Europe, recording two defeats and one draw. The Blues are also without a victory in their last four matches in all competitions.

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Both teams entered the contest with identical league-phase records: three wins, one draw and one loss, sitting level on 10 points. And for long stretches, the match was finely balanced.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the first half when João Pedro turned in Reece James’ cross. But Atalanta stayed dangerous throughout, with former Charlton and Everton forward Ademola Lookman troubling the Blues’ back line.

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Atalanta increased the pressure and eventually equalised through former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who headed home from close range.

Alejandro Garnacho forced a save with a powerful effort, yet it was Atalanta who struck late.

The result sees Chelsea slip to 11th, outside the automatic knockout qualification spots, with two league-phase matches left to play.

Atalanta climbed to third, moving three points clear of the Blues.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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