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Key Moments

• Joao Pedro gives Chelsea the lead in the opening period.
• Atalanta the stronger side after the interval and equalise through Gianluca Scamacca.
• The Belgian attacker nets a last-gasp decisive goal for the hosts.
• Loss means Chelsea drop to eleventh place in the group stage of the Champions League.
• The top eight qualify automatically for the last 16.

The London club's chances of securing a place automatically for the European Cup knockout stages were dealt a blow as Atalanta came from behind to claim victory in Bergamo.

Both sides went into this game with identical records in the league phase of this year's competition, having secured three victories, tied one, and suffered one defeat to have accrued ten points.

For much of the game there was very little to choose between them in this encounter too, even though Chelsea went ahead in the opening 45 minutes when the Brazilian converted Reece James' delivery.

But Atalanta consistently appeared a danger going forwards, with former Premier League attacker creating issues for the defence.

James shot wide in the second half but Atalanta increased the pressure and rightfully drew level when ex-West Ham striker headed in a cross.

Alejandro Garnacho hammered a strong effort straight at the keeper but Atalanta scored the decisive strike in the closing stages when the Blues defenders retreated from Charles de Ketelaere, who seized the opportunity with a driven strike.

The visitors attempted to salvage a draw in stoppage time but a brilliant save by the Atalanta goalkeeper kept out Pedro.

The outcome means Chelsea drop out of the automatic qualification places—the positions that progress automatically for the next round—to 11th with two league phase fixtures remaining.

The Bergamo club, in contrast, climb up to third place, three points ahead of the Blues.

Chelsea Analysis - Worrying Form Continues

This was a deeply disappointing outcome for Chelsea as even a point was leaving them in a strong position to secure the top-eight finish they require to avoid the uncertainty of the qualifying play-off round.

But they lacked concentration in their defensive duties with seven minutes left on the clock and Atalanta took full advantage.

The Italian side are in good form at the moment so this was always going to be a difficult examination for the visitors, but they will be frustrated to be leaving with nothing after securing the early advantage.

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

Since beating the Spanish giants 3-0 at the end of November they are now without a win in their last four games.

Too Many Changes Turning Out to Be Expensive?

Manager Enzo Maresca enacted five alterations for this game as he persisted with his run of moving players in and out of the starting lineup.

The changes here followed after he made the identical amount for the loss to Leeds United and six for the tie with AFC Bournemouth prior to the journey to Atalanta.

The coach will see squad rotation as necessary as he attempts to handle players' minutes and compete both at home and abroad, but he stated the key nucleus of players remains the same for key games.

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

"If you see the five alterations that we made relative to Bournemouth it may be different but it is the same eight or nine players who played in that match.

"The ones who took to the field tonight are the individuals playing almost all the games."

Up Next for These Clubs?

The Blues' next Champions League game sees them host the Cypriot side on the coming Wednesday (20:00 GMT).

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