A magical night in Bergamo: Chelsea beaten in comeback victory

Another night for the books and another chapter in our European story. With a superb all-round performance, the Nerazzurri came from behind to beat World Club Cup champions Chelsea on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, moving up to 13 points in the standings. Scamacca and De Ketelaere were the men of the hour in Bergamo.

Atalanta carved out the first big chance of the game: Lookman drove in from the left and unleashed an angled strike parried by Sanchez, with De Ketelaere unable to turn in the rebound. The Nerazzurri threatened again on 19 minutes—Lookman’s effort was blocked by Acheampong—but it was Chelsea who struck first. Joao Pedro found the net in the 25th minute: the flag initially went up, but VAR overturned the offside call and the goal stood. Despite Atalanta pushing for a leveller, the visitors went into the break a goal to the good.

Early in the second half, James wasted a good chance for Chelsea. In the 55th minute, Scamacca rose highest to nod home a pinpoint cross from De Ketelaere and restore parity. Atalanta kept their foot on the gas, going close again on 62 minutes when Scamacca forced another strong save from Sanchez with a powerful header. The Nerazzurri pressure kept mounting—and finally paid off in the 83rd minute. After setting up the equaliser, De Ketelaere took matters into his own hands, cutting inside and beating Sanchez with a wicked finish to complete the comeback. Chelsea had two late looks at goal, with Garnacho and Joao Pedro testing Carnesecchi, but the Atalanta keeper stayed sharp and shut the door. Coach Palladino’s side ran out 2–1 winners on a night Bergamo won’t forget.

ATALANTA 2-1 CHELSEA

Scorers: Joao Pedro 25 (C), Scamacca 55 (A), De Ketelaere 83 (A).

Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolašinac (Ahanor 71), Bellanova (Zappacosta 17), De Roon, Éderson (Musah 87), Bernasconi, De Ketelaere, Scamacca (Krstović 72), Lookman (Pašalić 87). Unused bench: Sportiello, Hien, Samardžić, Scalvini, Brescianini, Zalewski, Maldini, Zappacosta. Coach: Raffaele Palladino.

Chelsea: Sanchez, Acheampong, Chalobah (Fofana 46, Adarabioyo 77), Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, James, Pedro Neto (Garnacho 66), Fernandez (Gusto 66), Gittens, Joao Pedro. Unused bench: Jorgensen, Merrick, Andrey Santos, Hato, George, Guiu, Buonanotte, Estevao. Coach: Enzo Maresca.

Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP).
Assistant referees: José Naranjo (ESP) and Diego Sánchez Rojo (ESP).
Fourth official: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz (ESP).
V.A.R.: Cesar Soto Grado (ESP), A.V.A.R.: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez (ESP).

Notes: Chalobah (C) booked.