Atalanta received a major boost in their race for the knockout rounds of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League after recording a dramatic 2-1 win over English side Chelsea on Tuesday night, SportPremi Reports.
Joao Pedro gave the Blues the lead in the first half, before Gianluca Scamacca equalized with a header in the second half. Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere completed the comeback with a late effort as La Dea sealed the maximum points in the clash.
Atalanta moved up to third on the standings ahead of Wednesday’s fixtures with their fourth win in six games, while Chelsea dropped to 11th after losing for the second time in Europe this season.
First half: Joao Pedro gives Chelsea lead into the break
Atalanta recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in their last UCL outing, while Chelsea also defeated Barcelona by the same scoreline.
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However, it was the visitors who grabbed the lead in the 26th minute through Joao Pedro. The strike was initially ruled out by the assistant referee, before the VAR ruled that there was no offside in the buildup.
The first half ended in favor of Chelsea as Atalanta remained without a goal in the first half in Europe this season.
Second half: Scamacca and De Ketelaere complete comeback for home side
Chelsea started the second half on top, but Lookman scored for Atalanta, although it was ruled out for offside.
However, they were not behind for long as Charles De Ketelaere crossed for Scamacca, who headed home a fine effort to pull the home side level.
La Dea wasted several chances to take the lead, before the impressive De Ketelaere added a second late on via a deflection off Marc Cucurella.
Joao Pedro missed a late chance to equalize as the hosts claimed a 2-1 win and edge closer to the knockout stages.
Atalanta edge closer to next round
Atalanta sealed their fourth win of this season’s UCL campaign and moved closer to a spot in the top eight of the 36-team standings.
La Dea need to win only one of their remaining two games to be assured of an automatic knockout spot, while they could also clinch the spot by avoiding defeat in their remaining fixtures.
Players Ratings:
Atalanta Players Ratings
- Carnesecchi – 7.2
- Kossounou – 7.3
- Djimsiti – 7.2
- Kolasinac – 7.2
- Bellanova – 6.2
- De Roon – 8.0
- Ederson – 7.4
- Bernasconi – 7.2
- Lookman – 6.7
- De Ketelaere – 8.8
- Scamacca – 7.7
Substitutes
- Zappacosta – 7.3
- Ahanor – 6.4
- Krstovic – 6.0
Chelsea Players Ratings
- Sanchez – 6.0
- Cucurella – 6.9
- Badiashile – 7.0
- Chalobah – 6.3
- Acheampong – 6.8
- Caicedo – 7.0
- James – 7.6
- Gittens – 6.6
- Fernandez – 5.9
- Neto – 6.0
- Joao Pedro – 7.2
Substitutes
- Fofana – 6.2
- Gusto – 6.1
- Garnacho – 6.2
- Tosin – 6.0
Man of the match
Charles De Ketelaere (8.8/10) – The Belgian midfielder was in inspiring role on the night as he provided the assist for his side before netting a late winner in the clash. The 24-year-old also had six touches in the Chelsea box and completed three key passes in the crucial win for his side.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Atalanta 49% – 51% Chelsea
Total Shots: Atalanta 14 – 10 Chelsea
Shots on target: Atalanta 4-5 Chelsea
Pass Accuracy: Atalanta 84% – 86% Chelsea
Corner kick: Atalanta 2 – 5 Chelsea
What next?
Atalanta welcome Cagliari to the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday in the Italian Serie A, while Chelsea face Everton in the English Premier League on the same day
