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Chelsea's hopes of a top-eight finish in the Champions League took a blow as they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta thanks to a late goal from Charles De Ketelaere.

The Serie A side have lost only once at home this season, while Enzo Maresca's side are yet to win away in Europe, having now lost twice and drawn once. They are now winless in their last four games in all competitions.

Atalanta began brightly and would have gone ahead were it not for a sensational block from Josh Acheampong to deny Ademola Lookman on his first Champions League start.

Chelsea made the initial breakthrough in the 25th minute. Reece James' fizzing cross was finished by Joao Pedro, but the offside flag immediately went up.

The forward wagged his finger in disagreement - and he was right. VAR stepped in and found both James and Joao Pedro were onside, and the goal was given.

Atalanta had not scored in the first half of a European game this season, and while they couldn't end that particular run they did find the net shortly after half-time - but not before James missed a huge chance to double Chelsea's lead.

The hosts equalised when De Ketelaere sent in a superb cross for former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to nod home.

Atalanta maintained their pressure, and always looked the most likely to score another. The in-form De Ketelaere had a slice of luck with his winner too as his shot deflected off Marc Cucurella - who was backing off the forward - and fizzed through the outstretched hand of Robert Sanchez.

It is the second game in a row the Belgian has registered two goal involvements, with Atalanta now up to third in the Champions League table.

Chelsea saw late chances from Alejandro Garnacho, James and Joao Pedro go begging, and as a result, they drop out of the top eight. They are now 11th, two points from the automatic round-of-16 spots.

🇿🇦☠️ The winwin in North Africa reports that has received official complaints from Orlando Pirates Football Club & and the CAF inter-club committee will soon review these.

Police’s complaint is about alleged use of ineligible foreign players by Al Hilal. And Pirates’ is about the suspension of St Eloi Lupopo’s coach Guy Bukasa.

| African Football Connect