Ademola Lookman delivered another lively European performance as Atalanta came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2–1 in Bergamo, keeping their Champions League knockout ambitions firmly alive.
While the Nigerian forward did not get on the scoresheet, he was at the heart of Atalanta’s attacking threat, repeatedly unsettling Chelsea’s back line and playing a key role in the momentum shift that powered the comeback.
Atalanta vs Chelsea: How the Action Unfolded
Atalanta almost broke their first-half scoring drought early when Lookman weaved through Chelsea’s defence and forced Robert Sánchez into a strong save, with Charles De Ketelaere failing to convert the rebound.
Lookman remained a persistent menace, but a superb block from Josh Acheampong denied him again midway through the half.
Chelsea capitalised on Atalanta’s missed chances. Reece James delivered a pinpoint low cross for João Pedro to sweep home, with VAR confirming the goal after a brief offside check. The visitors carried that momentum into the break.
Atalanta’s Second-Half Surge
As they so often do, Atalanta re-energised in the second half. Lookman thought he had levelled the match minutes after the restart, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The equaliser arrived soon after, with De Ketelaere floating in a perfect delivery for Gianluca Scamacca to head past Sánchez.
Atalanta continued to push. Scamacca tested Sánchez again with a free-kick, while Chelsea’s Garnacho and James wasted openings at the other end.
The decisive moment came when De Ketelaere drove into the box and unleashed a strike that deflected off Marc Cucurella and the goalkeeper before nestling into the net, an effort officially credited as an own goal.
Holding Firm for a Statement Win
Chelsea piled on late pressure, but Marco Carnesecchi remained composed, preserving the lead and securing Atalanta’s third home win in eight Champions League matches.
The result hands Chelsea their first UCL defeat since Matchday 1 and positions Atalanta firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages, powered once again by the dynamic influence of Ademola Lookman.
