Atalanta Stuns Chelsea with Late Goal in UEFA Champions League Showdown

Atalanta achieved a remarkable 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, with a late goal from Charles De Ketelaere sealing the win for the Italian side. The match, held at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on March 15, 2024, marked a significant setback for Chelsea, who were aiming to secure a top-eight position in the tournament.

The game’s initial stages saw Chelsea take the lead with a goal from Joao Pedro in the 25th minute. After a cross from Reece James was initially flagged offside, VAR intervened to confirm the Brazilian’s opener. Chelsea appeared to be in control, but Atalanta responded effectively after the break.

De Ketelaere played a crucial role in the turnaround, assisting Gianluca Scamacca for the equaliser in the 55th minute. Scamacca’s powerful header from De Ketelaere’s cross drew Atalanta level, igniting the home crowd. The Belgian forward then struck the decisive blow in the 83rd minute, with a shot that deflected off Marc Cucurella and found its way past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The defeat was particularly notable for Chelsea, as the team had gone unbeaten in 41 Champions League matches when leading at half-time, with their last such loss dating back to September 2013. This match served as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in the tournament.

Atalanta capitalized on their home advantage, accumulating 1.74 expected goals (xG) compared to Chelsea’s 1.25. Coach Raffaele Palladino expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and resilience throughout the match.

Despite Chelsea’s early promise, they struggled to maintain momentum after the interval. They had opportunities to extend their lead, including a near miss from James and a disallowed goal from Ademola Lookman. However, Atalanta continued to press, ultimately finding success with their late efforts.

The win lifts Atalanta to third place in the Champions League standings, now three points clear of Chelsea, who remain in the hunt but will need to regroup quickly with only two league-phase matches remaining. The performances of Scamacca, who has now contributed to a goal in each of his last three games, and De Ketelaere, who created the joint-most chances in the match, will be crucial as Atalanta looks to build on this momentum.

In the closing minutes, Atalanta’s goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi made vital saves to deny both Garnacho and Joao Pedro, ensuring that the home side would walk away with all three points. The victory not only boosts Atalanta’s standings but also serves as a significant blow to Chelsea’s aspirations in this season’s Champions League.