The Blues made a strong start in Bergamo and appeared on course for another league-phase victory when Joao Pedro tapped in Reece James’ cross inside 25 minutes. And although the Blues had chances to double our advantage, the home side played to their strengths and eventually levelled just after the break, before snatching all three points in the closing stages.

Speaking after the contest at the Stadio Di Bergamo, the summer addition from Brighton stressed the need for his side to learn lessons from last night’s defeat with matches coming thick and fast during the upcoming festive period.

‘We are disappointed because we came here to win the game,’ the 24-year-old opened.

‘We started well and scored first, but in the Champions League, if you give chances to the opoonents, if they can score, it makes it a difficult game because they are a strong team.

‘I think the first half we controlled the game, we started well, and we had chances to score more. I think for 10 minutes in the second half, when they scored, they had the home support behind them, which helped them.

‘In the Champions League, if you concede one goal early [in the second half] and a second goal, it is difficult to come back. We need to learn because we are disappointed, and we have to be focused on the next game.’

The forward admitted he was fully aware of the threat posed by Atalanta, particularly on their home turf.

Joao Pedro continued: ‘Not only away, but at home, the Champions League is tough because you play against some really good teams, and Atalanta is a good team. In a second, anyone can score, which is why the Champions League is really good.’

Despite the result, the Brazilian took some personal encouragement from netting his first goal in the competition.

He added: ‘I think Chelsea brought me [to the club] to score, and I scored my first Champions League goal, but it wasn’t enough.’