De Ketelaere Chelsea Defeat story as the Belgian inspires Atalanta’s 2–1 comeback, extending the Blues’ winless run in the Champions League

Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere inspired a dramatic 2–1 comeback against Chelsea on Tuesday in Bergamo, dealing a heavy setback to Enzo Maresca’s struggling side in a decisive Champions League league-phase clash.

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The De Ketelaere Chelsea Defeat result extended the Blues’ winless streak to four matches across all competitions.

Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the breakthrough in the 25th minute after Reece James picked him out with a driven cross, a goal that stood only after VAR overturned an initial offside flag.

It was Pedro’s third goal in 16 appearances and briefly suggested renewed confidence for Chelsea after recent poor form.

Chelsea failed to build on their strong moments. James drove just wide soon after the interval, a miss that proved costly as Atalanta seized control.

De Ketelaere delivered a teasing ball to the far post in the 55th minute, exposing Chelsea’s static defending.

Gianluca Scamacca rose sharply to head in the equaliser and push the home side into full momentum.

Scamacca forced another full-stretch save from Robert Sanchez minutes later while Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction briefly lifted Chelsea’s tempo.

The pressure on Chelsea’s defence remained intense, and Atalanta’s persistence brought a decisive breakthrough.

De Ketelaere, who had dominated the contest with pace and precision, advanced unchallenged to the edge of the area in the 83rd minute and unleashed a fierce shot that deflected off Marc Cucurella and flew past Sanchez.

His influential night added to a remarkable run of six goals and seven assists in his last 12 Champions League appearances.

Atalanta, now firmly in the chase for automatic qualification, have beaten Club Brugge, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea in this campaign.

They sit third, buoyed by standout displays from De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.

The defeat leaves Chelsea in a precarious position. Maresca’s 11th-placed side remain on 10 points after six league-phase games, with their hopes of a top-eight finish now fragile.

Their final fixtures, at home to Pafos and away to Napoli in January, will determine whether they advance.

A spirited early block from Josh Acheampong and flashes of composure could not mask Chelsea’s recurring vulnerability.

Since their commanding 3–0 win over Barcelona on 25 November, they have lost momentum, rhythm and belief.

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Atalanta’s late winner in Bergamo underscored that decline with brutal clarity.