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Key Moments

• The Chelsea forward gives Chelsea the lead in the opening period.
• Atalanta the stronger side after the interval and draw level through the striker.
• Charles de Ketelaere nets a last-gasp decisive goal for the hosts.
• The defeat means Chelsea slide to 11th in the league phase of the Champions League.
• The top eight progress automatically for the knockout phase.

Chelsea's chances of securing a place automatically for the European Cup knockouts were dealt a blow as Atalanta overturned a deficit to claim victory in their home stadium.

Both sides entered this match with matching records in the league phase of this season's tournament, having secured three victories, tied one, and lost to sit on 10 points.

For extended periods there was little to distinguish them in this contest too, although Chelsea got their noses in front in the first half when Joao Pedro converted the captain's delivery.

But Atalanta always looked a threat going on the attack, with ex- Premier League attacker Ademola Lookman problems for the backline.

Reece James fired wide in the second half but Atalanta increased the intensity and rightfully levelled when former West Ham United striker headed in a cross.

The winger drove a strong effort straight at the keeper but Atalanta scored the winning goal in the closing stages when the Chelsea defenders retreated from Charles de Ketelaere, who seized the opportunity with a low shot.

The visitors attempted to salvage a draw in stoppage time but a excellent stop by the Atalanta goalkeeper kept out Joao Pedro.

The outcome means Chelsea fall out of the top eight—the positions that progress automatically for the knockouts—to 11th with two league phase matches left to play.

Atalanta, meanwhile, jump up to third place, three points clear of the Blues.

Chelsea Analysis - Worrying Run Persists

This was a extremely disappointing outcome for Chelsea as even a point was leaving them in a strong position to secure the top-eight finish they need to bypass the lottery of the qualifying play-off round.

But they let their concentration slip in their defensive duties with seven minutes left on the clock and their opponents took full advantage.

The Italians are in fine fettle at the moment so this was always going to be a difficult examination for the visitors, but they will be annoyed to be departing with no points after taking the lead.

But the broader context is that this continues Chelsea's worrying streak 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.

Excessive Rotations Turning Out to Be Costly?

Manager Enzo Maresca made five alterations for this match as he persisted with his strategy 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 and six for the draw with AFC Bournemouth prior to the journey to Atalanta.

Maresca will see rotation as vital as he tries to manage players' workloads and challenge both at domestically and in Europe, but he insisted 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 featured against Tottenham, FC Barcelona, and the Gunners," he said.

"If you look at the five changes that we made compared to Bournemouth it may be different but it involves the same eight or nine players playing in that match.

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

What's Next for These Clubs?

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

Atalanta, on the other hand, are at home to Athletic Club at the identical kick-off time.