João Pedro puts Chelsea ahead, but a brilliant second half from Gianluca Scamacca and a dazzling match-winning performance by Charles De Ketelaere propel Atalanta to a 2–1 victory and up the Champions League table.
Atalanta delivered a signature European night in Bergamo, overturning a first-half deficit to defeat Chelsea 2–1 in the sixth matchday of the Champions League’s new league-format stage. With the win, Raffaele Palladino’s side climbs to 13 points and strengthens its position in the competition.
The Nerazzurri started aggressively, carving out an early double chance through Lookman and De Ketelaere. Chelsea, however, struck first. In the 25th minute, Reece James delivered a precise cross from the left, and João Pedro met it with a sharp first-time finish that slipped between Carnesecchi’s legs. Initially ruled offside, VAR overturned the call and awarded the visitors the lead.
Before halftime, Atalanta pushed repeatedly—Lookman saw a close-range attempt stopped by Acheampong and De Roon fired over—but the equalizer remained elusive.
The second half brought immediate drama. James nearly doubled Chelsea’s advantage with a curled shot inches wide, and a minute later Lookman scored what seemed to be the equalizer—only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Atalanta did not waver. In the 55th minute, De Ketelaere burst down the right and delivered a perfect cross that Scamacca headed in for his first-ever Champions League goal. The striker grew in confidence, forcing Sánchez into another strong save shortly afterward.
As the match opened up, Chelsea threatened through João Pedro and Thorsby, but it was Atalanta that seized control in the final stretch. In the 83rd minute, De Ketelaere capped off a magnificent individual performance, slicing into the box and firing a shot—slightly deflected—that beat Sánchez for the 2–1 winner.
Chelsea pushed in the closing moments, but Carnesecchi stood firm to secure a memorable victory for the Bergamo side.
Match Report
Atalanta 2–1 Chelsea
Scorers:
25’ João Pedro (C), 55’ Scamacca (A), 83’ De Ketelaere (A)
Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac (71’ Ahanor); Bellanova (17’ Zappacosta), De Roon, Ederson (87’ Musah), Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Lookman (87’ Pasalic); Scamacca (72’ Krstovic).
Coach: Raffaele Palladino
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sánchez; Acheampong, Chalobah (46’ Fofana, 76’ Adarabioyo), Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto (67’ Garnacho), Enzo Fernández (67’ Gusto), Gittens; João Pedro.
Coach: Enzo Maresca
Yellow Cards: Chalobah
Sending Offs: None
Referee: Hernández
