Atalanta vs Chelsea: Lookman and co. humble World Champions in crucial win

Ademola Lookman appeared sharp and dangerous despite not getting on the scoresheet as Atalanta beat Chelsea 2-1 in Bergamo in the Champions League.

Despite going behind against Chelsea thanks to a Joao Pedro goal, Atalanta fought back to secure a 2-1 victory that keeps them in the running for a place in the next round of the Champions League.

Atalanta nearly ended their run of first-half UCL struggles early when Ademola Lookman danced past Chelsea’s defence and forced Robert Sánchez into a strong save, with Charles De Ketelaere missing the rebound.

Lookman threatened again midway through the half, only for Josh Acheampong to produce a brilliant block.

Those missed chances proved costly as Reece James’ low cross set up João Pedro to score after VAR confirmed he was onside, shifting momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favour until halftime.

But Atalanta, true to form, came alive after the break. Lookman had the ball in the net early in the second half, only for it to be ruled offside, before De Ketelaere’s precise cross allowed Gianluca Scamacca to head in the equaliser.

The hosts nearly went ahead soon after, with Sánchez denying Scamacca from a free-kick, while Garnacho and James both missed chances to restore Chelsea’s lead.

Atalanta eventually found the decisive goal when De Ketelaere drove into the box and saw his effort deflect off Marc Cucurella and Sánchez into the net.

Despite late pressure, Marco Carnesecchi held firm, sealing Atalanta’s third home win in eight matches and handing Chelsea their first UCL defeat since Matchday 1.