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Key Moments

• The Chelsea forward gives Chelsea the lead in the first half.
• Atalanta the stronger side after the break and equalise through the striker.
• The Belgian attacker scores a last-gasp winner for the hosts.
• The defeat means Chelsea slide to 11th in the league phase of the Champions League.
• The top eight qualify automatically for the last 16.

Chelsea's chances of qualifying automatically for the European Cup knockout stages were suffered a setback as Atalanta overturned a deficit to claim victory in their home stadium.

The two teams entered this game with the same records in the league phase of this year's competition, having secured three victories, drawn, and suffered one defeat to be on 10 points.

For extended periods there was very little to separate them in this encounter too, even though Chelsea got their noses in front in the first half when Joao Pedro finished the captain's delivery.

But Atalanta always looked a threat going forwards, with ex- Charlton and Everton attacker Ademola Lookman problems for the backline.

Reece James fired wide in the second half but the home team raised the pressure and deservedly equalised when former West Ham United striker headed in a centering pass.

Alejandro Garnacho hammered a powerful shot straight at the goalkeeper but they scored the winner late on when the Blues defenders retreated from Charles de Ketelaere, who took full advantage with a powerful finish.

Chelsea attempted to salvage a point late on but a excellent save by the Atalanta goalkeeper denied Pedro.

The outcome means Chelsea fall out of the top eight—the positions that qualify automatically for the knockouts—to 11th with two group stage fixtures remaining.

Atalanta, in contrast, leap up to third, three points ahead of the Blues.

Chelsea Analysis - Worrying Run Continues

This was a extremely disappointing result for Chelsea as even a point was leaving them in a strong position to achieve the top eight finish they need to bypass the lottery of the play-offs.

But they let their concentration slip in their defensive duties with seven minutes remaining and their opponents seized the moment.

The Italians are in fine fettle at the moment so this was always going to be a tough test for the visitors, but they will be frustrated to be leaving with no points after taking the lead.

But the wider issue is that this continues Chelsea's concerning run of form in all tournaments.

Since beating Barcelona 3-0 at the close of November they are now winless in their last four games.

Excessive Changes Proving Costly?

Manager Enzo Maresca enacted five changes for this match as he continued his policy of moving players in and out of the starting 11.

The changes here came after he implemented the same number for the loss to Leeds United and six for the draw with Bournemouth prior to the trip to Atalanta.

Maresca will view squad rotation as vital as he attempts to handle players' minutes and challenge both at home and in Europe, but he stated the core group of players stays the unchanged for crucial fixtures.

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

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

"The ones who played tonight are the ones who feature in almost all the matches."

What's Next for These Sides?

Chelsea's next European game sees them welcome Pafos on the coming Wednesday (20:00 GMT).

The Italian team, meanwhile, host Athletic Club at the same time.