Enzo Maresca: Chelsea Conceded 'Easy Goals' vs Atalanta

Chelsea's Maresca disappointed with second-half collapse

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca disappointed by second-half collapse, concedes two 'easy goals'. Joao Pedro's first-half goal isn't enough as Chelsea concede two second-half goals to Atalanta.

“Probably with two wins, probably with 16 points, you can be in the top eight...”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is disappointed with his team's performance, especially after conceding two “easy goals” in the second half, which led to Atalanta's 2-1 win. Joao Pedro had put Chelsea ahead in the 25th minute, but Atalanta turned the game around after the break, thanks to Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere's goals.

Maresca feels his team lost control of the game after Scamacca's equalizer, saying, “After the goal we conceded, we lost a bit of control of the game. I think both goals, we can avoid both of them. They're quite easy goals.” Atalanta's win puts them near the top of the Champions League table, while Chelsea drops to 11th place.

The defeat means Chelsea needs to win their remaining two games to secure a top-eight finish. Maresca remains focused on the next game, saying, “We are aware, but now the game is finished, so the focus has to be on Saturday's game against Everton.”

Maresca felt his team should've capitalized on their chances to extend their lead before halftime. Sounds like they're feeling a bit frustrated about leaving points on the table.

“After we conceded the ‌1-1 (goal), we lost a little bit of control of the game, and then we conceded the second one,” he told reporters.

“I think both goals, we can avoid both of them. They're quite easy goals.”

"We lost control of the game after we conceded the first goal"

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was disappointed with how his side responded following Atalanta's equaliser 🔵 pic.twitter.com/C3fbVNGCRc

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Atalanta's win puts them in a great position, sitting near the top of the Champions League table with 13 points, and they're in the mix for direct qualification for the round of 16. Meanwhile, Chelsea has 10 points and needs to win their remaining games against Pafos and Napoli to secure a top-eight finish.

If Chelsea doesn't win both games, they'll likely finish outside the top eight and face a two-legged playoff match. This would be a tough blow for the Premier League club, and they'll be hoping to turn their campaign around.

It ends in defeat.#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/4fTDgm6qmz

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 9, 2025

“Probably with two wins, probably with 16 points, you can be in the top eight,” the Italian manager added.

“Not sure about that, but now the focus has to be the next ⁠game. And then the next one, for ‌sure. If we want to try to finish top eight, we need to win both.

“Otherwise, we try to play the playoff and then go to the next round.”

Chelsea's next up is Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. They're looking to bounce back from the Champions League defeat, and a win would be just what they need.