"Chelsea gave up a halftime lead to fall to a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Atalanta on Tuesday in Bergamo to leave their hopes of a top-eight finish on a knife edge. Enzo Maresca's side led through Joao Pedro's near-post finish, but were stunned after the break as the Serie A side hit back. First, former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca was left unmarked to head the equaliser 10 minutes into the second half,"
"The Blues had been the better side in the first 45 minutes and looked on course for the win that would have put them likely only three more points away from a guaranteed spot in the last 16. But after their second-half collapse they will surely now need victories in both of their remaining matches - which include a trip to face Antonio Conte's Serie A champions Napoli in January - if they are to avoid entering the playoff round."
Chelsea led 1-0 at half-time after Joao Pedro converted Reece James's low cross for his first Champions League goal. Atalanta equalised early in the second half when Gianluca Scamacca was left unmarked to head home. Charles De Ketelaere scored a late winner with a powerful strike past Robert Sánchez. Chelsea had dominated the first half but collapsed after the break and missed chances, including a Reece James effort gone wide. Ademola Lookman troubled Chelsea throughout and had a goal ruled out for offside. The loss puts Chelsea's top-eight qualification hopes at risk, making victories in both remaining group games essential.
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