By our man in Italy
BERGAMO, ITALY – Chelsea’s Champions League campaign was plunged into fresh doubt last night as they were stunned 2-1 by a resurgent Atalanta, with the defeat sealed in the increasingly-feared confines of the newly branded New Balance Arena.
The historic ground, known more formally in UEFA competition as the Stadio di Bergamo, proved an unlikely fortress for the Italian side, which only recently completed a major, multi-million-pound renovation of their home. And for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, it was less a fashion statement and more a crushing disappointment.
The Blues arrived in Bergamo needing a statement win, but instead left reflecting on a fourth game without a victory across all competitions, thanks to a second-half capitulation in a stadium that is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most difficult away days.
The venue itself—recently rechristened the New Balance Arena as part of a sleek, modern upgrade—felt charged with the fiery passion of the Bergamaschi faithful. Gone are some of the older, rambling stands, replaced by a tight, compact, and intimidating cauldron of noise that sits right on top of the pitch.
It was in this revitalised amphitheatre that Joao Pedro initially silenced the crowd, slotting home in the first half to give Chelsea a vital lead. But the roar of the locals, amplified by the new acoustic design of the stands, never truly died down.
The second half was a different story entirely. Atalanta, inspired by the thunderous backing and the claustrophobic atmosphere of their home, came out all guns blazing.
Former West Ham man Gianluca Scamacca—a player whose career seemed lost in England—headed home the equaliser, sending a shockwave of sound through the revamped ground. The atmosphere reached fever pitch, becoming a palpable force that seemed to squeeze the life out of Chelsea’s midfield.
Then, with just seven minutes left, the killer blow arrived. Charles De Ketelaere, Atalanta’s Belgian wizard, fired a shot that deflected past Robert Sanchez.
The explosion of noise was deafening, cementing the New Balance Arena as a true European bear-pit.
Pochettino will now face the heat back in London, knowing that the magic his team showed at Stamford Bridge only weeks ago has faded drastically.
The loss in Bergamo puts their bid for a coveted top-eight finish, and automatic progression to the last 16, on a genuine knife-edge.
The stadium may be new, but the story is old: Chelsea just can’t win away.
