Maresca

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Enzo Maresca’s try and handle the minutes of his gamers within the Champions League blew up in his face and left dealing with the specter of a nightmare run of fixtures.

Chelsea are having to not solely rotate but additionally make deliberate adjustments inside video games, as they battle in opposition to health and fatigue. However Maresca’s meddling in opposition to Atalanta contributed to yet one more defeat on the street within the competitors.

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João Pedro’s objective was cancelled out by West Ham United flop Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere to sentence Chelsea to a fourth defeat of their final 5 Champions League video games away from house. Their final win within the competitors away from Stamford Bridge got here in opposition to Pink Bull Salzburg in October 2022.

Chelsea now face an uphill job to complete within the prime eight of the league part and keep away from enjoying two further video games within the play-off spherical. Maresca’s workforce could solely have one midweek off earlier than the top of March as they juggle 4 competitions.

Requested if he was conscious of the potential pile-up, Maresca smiled and mentioned: “Sure, we’re conscious, completely. However now the sport is completed and the main target must be on Saturday in opposition to Everton.”

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The irony of Chelsea dealing with an much more punishing fixture schedule is not going to be misplaced on supporters who have been left scratching their heads at among the head coach’s adjustments in Bergamo.

Maresca swapped Trevoh Chalobah with Wesley Fofana at half-time along with his workforce main, however then needed to change Fofana with Tosin Adarabioyo after the Frenchman suffered an harm. Seven minutes later, De Ketelaere scored Atalanta’s winner.

By then, Maresca had already despatched on Malo Gusto to exchange Enzo Fernández, which meant that Chelsea completed the sport with two right-backs, Gusto and Reece James in midfield, and Josh Acheampong, who prefers to play within the centre of defence, at right-back. Confused? Maresca tried to supply an evidence by saying: “Each adjustments have been as a result of Trev and Enzo are enjoying each minute in each recreation. So each of them weren’t 100 per cent. Additionally, Trev was on a yellow card, so it was to keep away from that slightly bit.”

Enzo Maresca was making an attempt to be too intelligent, unveiling new ways and managing minutes when Chelsea wanted a win – Reuters/Matteo Ciambelli

Maresca’s workforce end the league part of the competitors with video games in opposition to Pafos and Napoli, however even two wins will not be sufficient.

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“In all probability, with two wins and 16 factors you will be within the prime eight,” Maresca mentioned. “I’m undecided about that. For certain, if we need to attempt to end within the prime eight we have to win each. In any other case, we’ll attempt to play the play-off.”

With Liam Delap out injured and Cole Palmer left in London as a part of his staggered return from harm, Maresca began with Pedro as his quantity 9 for the night time.

That call seemed like it might pay dividends, as Pedro responded by placing Chelsea forward in opposition to the run of play along with his first Champions League objective. The guests had barely threatened earlier than James collected a Fernández go on the left and despatched in a low ball that Pedro managed to slip into the web.

The objective was initially flagged for offside, however a VAR verify confirmed neither James nor Pedro had been offside and Chelsea have been forward.

It was not the neatest transfer of Pedro to intentionally double again to have fun in entrance of the house supporters after affirmation of his objective. Those self same Atalanta followers delighted in the truth that it was Pedro who squandered the chance to equalise deep into stoppage time.

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Unsurprisingly, Maresca’s reshuffled again 4 seemed weak within the opening 20 minutes, throughout which former England Beneath-21 ahead Ademola Lookman squandered two nice probabilities to present the hosts the lead.

Ademola Lookman missed two probabilities to present Chelsea the lead – Getty Photos/Chris Ricco

Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis and Barcelona, performed a go across the nook to place Lookman in. He superior in direction of objective unchallenged and shot from a decent angle. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez saved along with his legs and De Ketelaere fell over as a substitute of changing.

The house aspect went shut once more, when Scamacca virtually flicked in a low cross and Lookman’s shot was blocked by Acheampong. Marten de Roon despatched the free ball over the crossbar.

Maresca would have gone in for half-time fairly relaxed as Atalanta misplaced their means after Chelsea’s objective. And there was no sense his resolution to exchange Chalobah with Fofana would backfire when James missed an excellent probability to double his aspect’s benefit simply after the break.

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James seemed nailed on to attain six minutes into the second half. His first shot rebounded straight again to him and with a transparent objective to fireside the ball at once more, he missed the goal. Each James and Maresca stood with their heads of their arms.

Lookman had a objective dominated out for offside, however there was no flag from the linesman to save lots of Chelsea within the fifty fifth minute as Scamacca headed Atalanta stage from De Ketelaere’s cross.

The objective invigorated the house aspect and Maresca responded by sending on Gusto instead of Fernández earlier than being pressured right into a change he had not pre-planned, as Fofana, nursing a watch harm, had to get replaced by Tosin.

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No person of a Chelsea persuasion will need to watch the Atalanta winner once more, as De Ketelaere was allowed to run unchallenged in direction of objective and his shot deflected off Marc Cucurella and previous Sánchez.

10:33pm

Thanks for becoming a member of us

That brings our protection of Chelsea’s defeat away at Atalanta to an finish, as Enzo Maresca’s aspect prolonged their winless run in all competitions to 4 video games.

Be a part of us once more tomorrow for an additional night time of Champions League motion, together with Manchester Metropolis’s journey to Actual Madrid.

10:32pm

Pedro: ‘We have to be taught from this – we’re disillusioned’

Chelsea goalscorer Joao Pedro, talking to TNT Sports activities: “We’re disillusioned as a result of we got here right here to win. We began effectively, scored first, and we gave probabilities to the opposite workforce. They’re a tough workforce.

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“We have to return to England to be taught and be prepared for the following recreation. We managed the sport within the first half and we began effectively. We had numerous probabilities to attain extra.

“For 10 minutes within the second half – after they scored – they constructed up energy and their followers additionally helped them. Within the Champions League, if you happen to concede one objective, after which one other too early, it’s tough to return again.

“We have to be taught. We’re disillusioned however now we have to be targeted on the following recreation.”

10:30pm

‘We have to win video games once more’, says Maresca

Enzo Maresca talking to TNT Sports activities about his workforce’s show: “First half we have been good, controlling the sport.

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“In all probability the objective we conceded in brief time, two simple instances that we are able to keep away from, however we have to attempt to as quickly as potential win video games once more.

“After the objective we conceded the primary time we misplaced management of the sport, second half – we’re enjoying each two days – for moments it seemed like we wrestle a bit.”

On matching Atalanta’s aggressiveness, he mentioned: “We additionally tried to be aggressive, I feel we have been aggressive like them, we had completely different probabilities to make it 2-0, with Reece, at 1-1 the dynamic of the sport modified a bit.”

On Chalobah coming off at half-time, he mentioned: “It was little bit deliberate as a result of Chalobah is enjoying each recreation and in addition he was on a yellow card.”

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On Chelsea’s dip in type: “I’m all the time frightened. Two factors in 4 video games is just not what we count on and now we have to do higher.”

10:25pm

‘We knew they might drop in second half’, says De Ketelaere

Charles De Ketelaere talking to TNT Sports activities about his aspect’s second-half show: “Very robust in opposition to a extremely robust opponent.

“I feel we knew intensity-wise, they might drop within the second half, we noticed they bought numerous objectives in opposition to within the second half so we stored robust, additionally as a result of we felt we have been good within the recreation so it paid off.

On Atalanta being third, he mentioned: “I didn’t see the rating but however I knew it was a vital recreation as a result of we each had 10 factors, this helps rather a lot.”

10:21pm

‘Lovely victory’, says De Ketelaere

Talking to TNT Sports activities, Charles De Ketelaere mentioned: “Very stunning victory. First half we did good however bought the objective in opposition to, we did excellent second half, we maintain pushing mentally, we did two nice objectives and a pleasant victory.”

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On Scamacca’s objective, he mentioned: “I do know he’s an actual striker so I all the time attempt to discover him and I give an excellent cross, it was a tremendous objective.”

On his objective: “Largely if the full-back comes I attempt to give to a wing-back, however I felt he stored dropping again after which I shot and bought a bit fortunate with the deflection but it surely doesn’t matter if it’s inside.”

10:17pm

Watch: De Ketelaere fires Atalanta forward

10:15pm

Up subsequent

These Champions League ties will are available late January, however Chelsea have a busy home interval coming in the intervening time.

They’ve Premier League video games in opposition to Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth and a League Cup tie in opposition to Cardiff going down within the the rest of December.

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They then begin the brand new 12 months with a visit to Manchester Metropolis.

10:11pm

Chelsea’s closing two video games

A house tie in opposition to Pafos ought to carry three factors for Chelsea however a visit to Napoli on the ultimate matchday presents a really difficult job for Maresca’s males.

10:09pm

Robust job to safe prime eight

Final season, 16 factors was the tally wanted to safe a spot within the automated qualification spots.

If the identical was to be true this season, Chelsea would want to win their closing two video games of the league part.

10:04pm

Chelsea drop to eleventh

The defeat sees Chelsea drop from seventh to 11 within the league part standings, now two factors adrift off the highest eight.

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Atalanta, who began the day behind Chelsea solely on objective distinction, have climbed as much as third, behind Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

10:02pm

Tonight’s outcomes

Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting

Barcelona 2 Eintracht Frankfurt 1

Union Saint-Gilloise 2 Marseille 3

10:01pm

Defensive rotation

This was partially attributable to Fofana’s harm, however Badiashile had three completely different centre-back companions this night, which may’t assist in the seek for solidity in defence.

09:59pm

Chelsea’s dip in type goes on

Maybe extra worryingly, Chelsea are actually winless of their final 4 matches in all competitions, shedding two of these.

Tonight’s defeat is the newest lead to a regarding drop in type since their final European outing after they beat Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

09:57pm

Chelsea’s poor away from within the Champions League continues

Chelsea have now gone with out a win for 5 away video games in a row within the Champions League for the primary time since February 2012.

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Enzo Maresca turns into simply the third Chelsea supervisor to not win any of his first three away matches in cost within the competitors, after Andre Villas-Boas within the 2011-12 marketing campaign and Luiz Felipe Scolari within the 2008-09 season.

09:54pm

Full time: Atalanta 2 Chelsea 1

Pedro has a golden probability to equalise in stoppage time as Acheampong nods the ball down on the again publish however his hooked volley from shut vary is considerably scuffed and it’s saved by Carnesecchi.

The total-time whistle follows instantly and it’s yet one more setback for Chelsea.

09:51pm

90+1 minutes: Atalanta 2 Chelsea 1

It’s higher from Garnacho this time as he comes inside and produces a strong effort on objective however Carnesecchi parries it away.

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Moments later and the ball is teed again to James on the sting of the world however he strokes his effort simply extensive of the appropriate publish.

There are going to be 4 extra minutes for Chelsea to search out an equaliser.

09:48pm

89 minutes: Atalanta 2 Chelsea 1

A double change now from Palladino, bringing Musah and Pasalic on for Ederson and Lookman.

Garnacho is came upon extensive and he simply dribbles the ball off the pitch. Not supreme as Chelsea desperately search for an equaliser.

09:46pm

87 minutes: Atalanta 2 Chelsea 1

Chelsea look to reply and a harmful ball is distributed into Pedro within the centre of the field however he can’t direct his header on objective.

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Moments later, Krstovic is discovered within the field along with his again to objective and he spins neatly earlier than taking goal however his effort from a decent angle is fired over.

09:44pm

GAOL! De Ketelaere fires Atalanta forward late on

Atalanta 2 Chelsea 1 (De Ketelaere) Atalanta have turned issues round in Bergamo!

The hosts win a free-kick in Chelsea’s half and take it rapidly, working it to De Keletaere in house, simply to the appropriate of central midfield.

The Belgian drives into the appropriate of the world earlier than letting fly and his effort takes a nick off Cucurella and beats Sanchez on the close to publish.

The Chelsea keeper needed to do higher with that.

09:42pm

82 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Replays present the ball did striek the arm of Zappacosta but it surely was shut into his physique so it was the right name from the referee.

09:41pm

81 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Garancho digs out a left-footed cross from the left flank and appeals for a handball as his ball is blocked by Zappacosta, simply inside the world.

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The referee waves play on, however it is going to be fascinating to see if it’s checked out.

09:37pm

77 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Fofana had seemed to hold on after taking Scamacca’s boot to his face, but it surely seems as if it was actually close to his eye and he’s now struggling to maintain that eye open.

So the Frenchman goes to should make means after approaching at half-time, and it is going to be Tosin to exchange him. The previous Fulham defender had a extremely tough time at Elland Highway final week, so he might be determined to have an assured 20 minutes right here.

09:34pm

75 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

James fouls De Ketelaere, who stays on the ground, and the Chelsea skipper has a couple of selection phrases for the Atalanta man. All of it threatens to boil over however is subtle pretty rapidly.

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Moments later, Garnacho cuts inside from the left and unleashes a curling effort but it surely’s straight on the keeper.

09:32pm

72 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Zappacosta is launched down Atalanta’s proper however his closing ball is horrible, chipping it means over his two team-mates ready within the space.

Fofana had chopped down Scamacca earlier within the transfer, however he got here off worse, showing to take a boot to the face because the striker fell to the ground.

The primary adjustments of the night now for the hosts, with Ahanor and Krstovic approaching for Kolasinac and Scamacca.

09:28pm

69 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

It seems like Gusto has simply come on in midfield, so two of Chelsea’s three central midfielders are their first-choice right-backs.

09:26pm

67 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Chelsea have carried out effectively to only a little bit of a grip on proceedings as soon as once more after a extremely harmful interval from Atalanta.

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Nonetheless, Maresca is making a pair of adjustments, with Garnacho and Gusto approaching for Neto and Fernandez. Maybe a swap to a again three/5 from the Chelsea boss.

09:22pm

62 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Atalanta earn a free-kick in a extremely promising place, about 25 yards out, simply to the left of centre, however Scamacca’s effort is headed away by a participant within the wall for a nook.

The set-piece causes Chelsea’s issues, with an Atalanta head flicking the ball in direction of the again publish, however Sanchez manages to parry away and the guests scramble it clear.

09:20pm

59 minutes: Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1

Atalanta are actually on prime now and are pushing for a quickfire second. Scamacca strains one up from vary but it surely’s charged down by Chelsea.

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The guests handle an assault of their very own and it’s a harmful one, with Neto breaking into the appropriate of the world, however his pull-back is reduce out earlier than Pedro can convert.

09:17pm

GOAL! Scamacca nods house from shut vary to equalise for hosts

Atalanta 1 Chelsea 1 (Scamacca) It’s been an action-packed begin to the second half and the hosts are stage.

De Ketelaere does effectively to drive into the appropriate of the world and he hangs a ball as much as the again publish that Scamacca nods house from shut vary.

The striker was in a lot house on the again stick. Chelsea might be gutted with that, significantly after James’ probability moments earlier than.

09:14pm

53 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Atalanta have the ball at the back of the web however the flag is up. A low ball is performed throughout the face of objective and Lookman faucets house, however the former Everton winger was offside.

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Chelsea held their line effectively once more.

09:13pm

51 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

It’s a golden probability for Chelsea! The ball drops to James on the sting of the world and whereas his first effort is blocked, it truly tees it up even nicer for the Chelsea skipper simply inside the world, however he drags his half-volley extensive.

He had a load of time to compose himself and also you simply have been simply ready for the web to bulge, but it surely simply whistled extensive of the left publish.

09:11pm

50 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Gittens slides a superb ball via the guts of the Atalanta defence, selecting out the ahead run of Fernandez.

As defenders get again, Fernandez has Neto in acres to his proper however he loses steadiness as he seems to search out the winger.

09:07pm

49 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

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By no means heard Auld Lang Syne belted out at a soccer match earlier than – however I’ve now.

The Atalanta followers have despatched the tune of it echoing across the stadium firstly of the second half. Bit bizarre however early Pleased New Yr to them too.

09:07pm

48 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

A sloppy header from Acheampong permits Lookman to interrupt down Atalanta’s left however the right-back recovers effectively to make the problem.

09:05pm

46 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

We’re again underway in Bergamo, with the hosts kicking issues off, going from proper to left on this second interval.

Fofana has come on on the break for Chelsea, instead of Chalobah. It’s unclear if that’s injury-related. It might be a deliberate transfer to present Chalobah a relaxation.

08:59pm

Watch: Pedro opens the scoring

08:56pm

Half-time scores

Kairat 0-1 Olympiakos (FT)

Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting (FT)

Barcelona 0 Eintracht Frankfurt 1

Union Saint-Gilloise 1 Marseille 2

08:54pm

Even first half

It’s been a really even first half, with the 2 sides having an equal share of possession.

Atalanta have generated an xG of 0.6, whereas having 5 pictures, with a type of on track.

Chelsea have generated an xG of 0.66, managing three efforts, discovering the goal as soon as, with Pedro’s objective.

08:49pm

Half-time: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Atalanta threaten late on however Ederson dallies on the ball on the sting of the field and Caicedo could make the problem, which brings in regards to the half-time whistle.

Maresca might be delighted by the scoreline on the break, it’s been a good efficiency too from his aspect.

08:47pm

45+2 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

There might be three minutes added on on the finish of this opening interval.

Neto, popping up on the left, darts inside and slides Cucurella into the left of the world, however the defender’s first-time pull-back, seeking to return the ball to Neto, is crucially reduce out by the hosts earlier than the winger can let fly.

08:45pm

45 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Bernasconi seems to slip Lookman into the left of the world, however the flag goes up, with Chelsea holding their line of defense rather well.

The guests have seemed extra assured defensively the longer this half has gone on. Maresca might be determined for them to get into half-time with the clear sheet in tact.

08:43pm

43 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Caicedo pinches it in midfield and appears to slip Neto into the appropriate channel, however his go is blocked by the arm of Kolasinac, incomes Chelsea a free-kick in a promising place.

It’s labored brief as soon as once more however the eventual ball into the world from James is headed away.

08:41pm

41 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

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The Atalanta followers are getting very upset with the time Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is taking up goal-kicks. They’re placing large strain on the referee to e book him with their whistles, so Sanchez could have to hurry issues up a bit.

08:40pm

39 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

A protracted ball excessive causes Atalanta issues on the again however Carnesecchi comes off his line and does handle to take care of it in the long run, regardless of strain from Gittens.

08:36pm

35 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Scamacca turns neatly earlier than sliding Lookman in behind the Chelsea defence however Acheampong recovers effectively and executes a perfectly-timed sliding problem within the space earlier than the winger can let fly.

The flag does go up however the gamers weren’t to know that. One other prime piece of defending from the academy product.

08:33pm

33 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

Atalanta search for an prompt response however Lookman has an effort from the sting of the world blocked by Chelsea.

Zappacosta then wins a nook down the house aspect’s proper however Bernasconi’s inswinger is flicked away to the sting of the field earlier than Cucurella clears additional down the pitch.

08:29pm

28 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1

That may be a actually large objective for Chelsea. There’s a lengthy option to go but when they will declare three factors tonight they are going to be in a extremely robust place to safe automated qualification to the knockout levels.

08:27pm

GOAL! Pedro offers Chelsea lead after VAR verify

Atalanta 0 Chelsea 1 (Pedro) Chelsea have struggled to create within the opening levels however they’ve the lead!

Pedro is picked out by an extended ball ahead into the left channel and he manages to win a nook, which James takes brief.

The Chelsea captain is then slipped into the left of the field and he squares a superb ball, which Pedro pokes house on the slide on the close to publish.

The flag goes up, in opposition to James, however there’s a VAR verify over the decision and the choice is objective!

08:24pm

24 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea are struggling to interrupt Atalanta down for the time being, the hosts are going for man-for-man as Chelsea construct and Maresca’s males are but to determine how they will discover a hole.

08:20pm

20 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

What a block from Acheampong! Zappacosta is straight away concerned, selecting the ball up down Atalanta’s proper and enjoying a harmful low ball into the world.

It picks out Lookman, six yards in and out a central place, however his first-time strike is blocked heroically and crucially by Acheampong. Excellent defending from the teen, who had tucked inside effectively from the again publish.

08:17pm

17 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Following that marauding run ahead, Bellanova has stayed down and is in tears. It seems prefer it’s a muscular harm for the wing-back and he’s devastated.

So he might be making means early on right here and former Chelsea participant Zappacosta is approaching to exchange him.

08:16pm

15 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea win a nook down their proper and take it rapidly, catching Atalanta out, however the hosts do handle to move away when the ball comes into the world.

Atalanta break with tempo and Bellanova is fed into the appropriate channel however his low ball is cleared by Chalobah, who was well-placed to take care of the state of affairs.

08:14pm

13 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Gittens is picked out properly on Chelsea’s left and he seems to beat Bellanova on the skin, into the left of the world. He goes down beneath a problem from the wing-back and appears hopefully to the referee however the goal-kick is given.

Gittens has obtained criticism throughout his first few months with Chelsea for not making issues occur, in order that was extra prefer it from the winger.

08:12pm

11 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Fernandez wins a free-kick in a promising place down Chelsea’s proper however the guests take it rapidly, sending a cross into the field, but it surely sails harmlessly over these within the space.

Moments later, Fernandez tries his luck from vary, however his effort goes means over the goal.

08:10pm

10 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea haven’t settled in these opening levels; they’re but to take pleasure in a settled spell on the ball and look weak, significantly down their proper.

Neto seems to brush a ball across the nook, into the appropriate channel for Pedro, however the striker is just not on the identical wave size and arms are thrown within the air by each gamers.

08:08pm

6 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

Lookman breaks into the left of the world and drives in direction of objective earlier than seeking to lay the ball throughout the face of objective.

Sanchez will get a toe to the go and it sends it simply behind De Ketelaere, who was arriving for a tap-in. That may be a large let-off for Chelsea.

08:04pm

4 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

De Roon nicks it off Pedro in midfield and appears to slip Lookman in behind however Caicedo reads it and makes the interception. He’s so very important to Chelsea defensively.

Moments later, Bernasconi breaks down the house aspect’s left and lays the ball inside to Scamacca on the sting of the world, however he offers it away beneath strain from Caicedo.

08:02pm

2 minutes: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

It’s trying like Acheampong might be at right-back, with Chalobah staying in central defence. The latter had performed at right-back in opposition to Leeds final week when Maresca rotated in defence.

Pedro seems to assemble an extended ball down the center, in behind Atalanta, however he’s handled effectively by Bellanova.

08:00pm

1 min: Atalanta 0 Chelsea 0

We’re underway in Bergamo, with Chelsea kicking issues off, going from proper to left on this opening interval.

07:56pm

Kick-off approaching

The gamers have emerged from the tunnel and are out on the pitch in Bergamo. Kick-off is now lower than 5 minutes away!

07:54pm

What is absolutely occurring with Chelsea’s ‘invisible man’ Raheem Sterling

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Raheem Sterling may be Chelsea’s “invisible man”, however Atalanta is not going to have forgotten in regards to the ahead who scored 4 objectives in two weeks in opposition to them six years in the past.

It was in 2019 that Sterling netted an 11-minute hat-trick and had a hand in Manchester Metropolis’s different two objectives in a 5-1 Champions League victory over Atalanta on the Etihad Stadium. Two weeks later, he scored Metropolis’s solely objective in a 1-1 draw.

After the sport in Italy, Giovanni Sartori, who was Atalanta’s technical director, is alleged to have advised him: “My buddy, you’re the greatest participant on the planet.”

Sterling celebrated his thirty first birthday on Monday, which his former membership Metropolis and England have been fast to acknowledge on their social media accounts. By the point Enzo Maresca’s squad boarded a airplane to Italy to face Atalanta, Chelsea had not publicly wished Sterling a cheerful birthday.

Learn the complete story on Sterling’s state of affairs at Chelsea .

07:51pm

Tuesday’s video games

Kairat 0-1 Olympiakos (FT)

Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting (FT)

Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Marseille

07:47pm

Loud environment anticipated

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That is my first go to to the ‘New Steadiness’ stadium and I have to say it’s fairly good. Chelsea followers have one nook to my proper with Atalanta followers at each ends of the bottom. I’m advised the environment is usually loud right here.

07:44pm

Caicedo returns

Chelsea’s final two outcomes have been disappointing, shedding 3-1 away at Leeds earlier than enjoying out a goalless draw at Bournemouth, who had registered only one level from their final 5 video games.

Enzo Maresca was lacking Moises Caicedo for each of those video games following his purple card in opposition to Arsenal, however he’s again within the aspect tonight.

The midfielder has been vastly influential for Chelsea during the last two years and his return will present a big increase as they appear to return to profitable methods.

07:41pm

Atalanta’s Champions League marketing campaign thus far

Atalanta are presently stage with Chelsea on 10 factors however path on objective distinction, leaving them exterior of the highest eight.

The Italian aspect began their Champions League marketing campaign with a 4-0 thumping by the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, however have since crushed Membership Brugge, Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt, and picked up a degree in opposition to Slavia Prague.

07:38pm

Estevao impressing in Europe

Estevao, 18, is Chelsea’s prime scorer within the Champions League this season with three objectives.

It’s the joint-most objectives a young person has scored for a Premier League aspect in a single marketing campaign within the competitors, stage with Wayne Rooney in 2004-05.

Will he be wanted from the bench this night?

Estevao scores in opposition to Barcelona – Getty Photos/James Gill

07:34pm

Atalanta’s defensive solidity

Atalanta have stored eight clear sheets of their 15 Champions League video games because the begin of final season.

Among the many groups to have performed in each campaigns, solely Inter have the next clear sheet charge than Atalanta.

07:31pm

Chelsea’s winless on the street

Chelsea are with out a win of their final 4 away video games within the Champions League, shedding three of these. They need to keep away from going 5 in a row with out a victory on the street for the primary time since February 2012.

After shedding in opposition to Bayern Munich and drawing with Qarabag, Enzo Maresca may grow to be simply the third Chelsea supervisor to not win any of his first three away matches in cost within the competitors, after Andre Villas-Boas within the 2011-12 marketing campaign and Luiz Felipe Scolari within the 2008-09 season.

Harry Kane scores in opposition to Chelsea – Getty Photos /Maja Hitij

07:27pm

Chelsea within the constructing

Joao Pedro and Enzo Maresca arrive – Getty Photos/Chris Ricco

Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea – Getty Photos/Darren Walsh

07:23pm

First assembly between the perimeters

Atalanta and Chelsea will meet for the primary time in European competitors this night.

The Italian aspect have solely received one among their earlier seven video games in opposition to English sides within the Champions League.

This might be Chelsea’s first away recreation in opposition to an Italian opponent since October 2022, in a 2-0 victory away to AC Milan.

Previous to that recreation, the west London aspect had received simply one among their first 10 matches away to Italian groups within the Champions League, beating Lazio 4-0 in 2003.

07:19pm

Chelsea’s league part

17/09 – Bayern Munich 3 Chelsea 1

30/09 – Chelsea 1 Benfica 0

5/11 – Qarabag 2 Chelsea 2

25/11 – Chelsea 3 Barcelona 0

9/12 – Atalanta vs Chelsea

28/01 – Napoli vs Chelsea

07:15pm

Fernandez superior, Garnacho on the bench

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With Liam Delap injured and Cole Palmer left at house as a part of his staggered return from harm, Enzo Maresca has put his religion in Joao Pedro as Chelsea’s quantity 9 tonight and moved Enzo Fernandez forwards to play behind him.

In traditional head coach behaviour, Maresca has additionally left Alejandro Garnacho, who addressed the media final night time, on the substitutes’ bench. Managers appear to like doing that, presumably to attempt to trick the opposition – not simply journalists.

07:11pm

The present prime eight

Chelsea come into this week’s Champions League motion sitting seventh within the league part standings, that means they’re presently within the automated qualification spots.

Atalanta are on the identical quantity of factors as Chelsea, however their inferior objective distinction leaves them exterior the highest eight:

Paris Saint-Germain – 12 factors

Bayern Munich – 12 factors

Borussia Dortmund – 10 factors

Manchester Metropolis – 10 factors

07:06pm

‘Straightforward resolution’ to hitch Chelsea, says Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho mentioned this week it was an “simple resolution” to make the transfer from Manchester United to Chelsea this summer season.

“Typically in life, you need to change issues to take a step ahead or to enhance as a participant,” he advised the press on Monday.

“This was the appropriate membership and [moving] was a straightforward resolution.”

The winger has been focussed on enhancing his work-rate off the ball since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

“In trendy soccer, you need to defend with everybody,” Garnacho mentioned. “I do know I’ve to defend if I need to play.

“He [Maresca] advised me this so I attempt to do the work he asks. I’ve to assist the workforce defensively.”

Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea talks to the media – Getty Photos/Chris Lee

07:02pm

‘They comply with you to the bathroom’ – Maresca on Serie A ways

Requested what the principle change in Serie A is since his enjoying days, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca mentioned this week: “Tactically.

“Many groups attempt to do one thing just like what Atalanta have carried out up to now few years. You’ll be able to see most groups play 5 on the again and play man to man all over the place.

“They comply with you. When you go to the bathroom, they go to the bathroom.”

Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca – Shutterstock/Michele Maraviglia

06:58pm

These groups in full

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, de Roon, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Lookman.

Subs: Ahanor, Brescianini, Hien, Krstovic, Maldini, Musah, Pasalic, Samardzic, Scalvini, Zappacosta, Sportiello, Zalewski.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Chalobah, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto Fernandez, Gittens; Pedro.

Subs: Jorgensen, Fofana, Gusto, Hato, Santos, George, Garnacho, Estevao, Guiu, Buonanotte, Merrick, Tosin.

06:54pm

Atalanta make three adjustments – Kolasinac introduced in

There are three adjustments to the Atalanta workforce that began within the defeat at Hellas Verona on the weekend, as Palladino brings in Kolasinac, Bernasconi and Scamacca to exchange Hien, Zappacosta and Krstovic.

06:51pm

Maresca makes 5 adjustments – Caicedo again in, Acheampong begins

Chelsea boss Maresca has made 5 adjustments to his workforce following their goalless draw at Bournemouth on Saturday, bringing in Acheampong, Badiashile, Caicedo, Gittens and Pedro instead of Gusto, Fofana, Palmer, Garnacho and Delap.

06:47pm

Tuesday’s video games

Kairat 0-1 Olympiakos (FT)

Bayern Munich 0-0 Sporting (L)

Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Tottenham Hotspur vs Slavia Prague

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Marseille

06:41pm

Palmer absent from journey to Italy

The important thing workforce information for Chelsea apart from Liam Delap’s harm replace is that Cole Palmer is not going to function in Atalanta this night.

The ahead began his first recreation since coming back from harm within the draw at Bournemouth on the weekend, however Enzo Maresca mentioned he “can’t play two instances in three days” for the time being.

The Chelsea boss mentioned Palmer’s omission is a part of the “course of to guard” him.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer in motion at Bournemouth – Getty Photos/Chris Lee

06:35pm

Chelsea look to recuperate from wobble to remain in prime eight

Good night, and welcome to reside protection of Atalanta vs Chelsea from the Champions League, as Enzo Maresca’s aspect look to recuperate from a disappointing dip in type and cement their place within the automated qualification spots of the league part.

Chelsea come into this night’s recreation sitting seventh within the Champions League standings as one among 5 groups on 10 factors after 5 video games. Having misplaced away at Bayern Munich of their opening match, the west London aspect have received three of their 4 contests since, drawing the opposite, leaving them well-placed to progress.

Their most up-to-date victory in Europe was their most spectacular of the marketing campaign, thumping Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge due to an personal objective from Jules Kounde within the first half and strikes from Estevao and Liam Delap after the break, following Ronald Araujo’s sending off getting ready to half-time.

Nonetheless, because the conquer their outdated European foe, Chelsea have gone with out a win in three matches. Their draw in opposition to Arsenal whereas right down to 10 males offered extra purpose for optimism, however they’ve adopted it up with a extremely disappointing defeat away at Leeds and a goalless draw at Bournemouth, who had registered only one level from their final 5 video games.

The outcomes in opposition to Barcelona and Arsenal sparked talks of difficult for trophies, however these hopes have been rapidly dampened, and Maresca will merely be in search of a return to solidity this night.

His aspect journey to face Atalanta, who’re presently stage on factors with them however path on objective distinction, leaving them exterior of the highest eight. The Italian aspect began their Champions League marketing campaign with a 4-0 thumping by the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, however have since crushed Membership Brugge, Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt, and picked up a degree in opposition to Slavia Prague.

Nonetheless, they don’t seem to be faring so effectively domestically, presently down in twelfth in Serie A and coming into tonight’s recreation following a 3-1 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Hellas Verona on the weekend.

06:30pm

Delap escapes severe harm in increase for Chelsea

Liam Delap was pressured off with a shoulder harm in Chelsea’s draw at Bournemouth – Getty Photos /Catherine Ivill

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Chelsea are hopeful that Liam Delap might be out for now not than 4 weeks after scans confirmed that the striker had not suffered a fracture or dislocation to his shoulder.

Delap was pressured off with a shoulder harm within the goalless draw with Bournemouth, which meant he was left at house as Chelsea ready for tonight’s Champions League recreation in opposition to Atalanta in Italy.

However Chelsea have obtained excellent news over Delap, with the membership hoping the 22-year-old is not going to be out for longer than 4 weeks and medical workers working to attempt to scale back that timeframe even additional.

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea head coach, revealed on Monday night time that Delap had not suffered a fracture to his shoulder and Telegraph Sport understands the harm is just not a dislocation.

A supply who has suffered the same shoulder harm advised Telegraph Sport that Delap is more likely to be in ache for the primary week after the harm, however that, all being effectively, he ought to have the ability to play once more in three to 4 weeks.

Aside from the Atalanta match, Delap would sit out video games in opposition to Everton, Cardiff Metropolis within the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth if he missed the complete 4 weeks. Chelsea face Manchester Metropolis on January 4, which might be 4 weeks and someday after Delap injured his shoulder.

Delap scored his first Champions League objective in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona – Getty Photos/Jan Kruger

It means Delap is in line to return in time for the beginning of the January switch window, which reinforces the truth that Chelsea is not going to try and carry Emmanuel Emegha’s transfer from Strasbourg subsequent summer season forwards or search for one other striker.

Requested about Delap’s harm and his choices within the meantime, Maresca mentioned: “Liam is luckily not any fracture. We had Liam two months out [earlier in the season]. Joao Pedro performs as a No 9, Pedro Neto too, additionally Tyrique [George] as a quantity 9. We attempt to discover options. We all know Liam must play video games to be match and be higher and higher. Now, sadly, he’s out once more.”

Aside from Pedro, Neto and George, Maresca additionally has Marc Guiu, who was recalled from his mortgage at Sunderland after Delap suffered a hamstring harm earlier this season.