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Chelsea's Champions League hopes falter as late drama sees them concede a draw. Pedro Neto's stellar performance couldn't salvage points from a disappointing display.

Liam Rosenior's team remains more about results than flashy, convincing play. Not even the goals from a hugely inspired Joao Pedro, like the one he scored a few minutes into the match against Burnley, were enough to save a poor and dull Chelsea. And that is even though they still do not know what it is like to lose in the Premier League with the English coach. Second consecutive stumble for the Blues, another one against a relegation candidate, in their race to cling to the Champions League places.

When the London side had everything going their way to take advantage of Aston Villa's result (1-1) and open a gap with Manchester United, the alarms went off again at Stamford Bridge. A red card in the 72nd minute and a goal in the 92nd minute leave Chelsea in 4th position with 45 points, the same as the Red Devils. The draw did not please the Blue faithful, and the substitution of Cole Palmer, with 15 minutes left, also did not please the English No. 10. Neither Chelsea nor their star manage to take off.

They were not the best 45 minutes since Liam Rosenior arrived at Stamford Bridge, but at least Joao Pedro remains as inspired in front of goal as usual in 2026. Before the 5th minute, the Blues were already winning with a goal from the Brazilian. His 14th of the season. He only had to push it in following a great through ball from Moises Caicedo and the assist from Pedro Neto. That said, the 1-0 suited Burnley better than it suited Chelsea. The home side's passivity and the way the Clarets pressed their team did not please the Blues fans.

Far from improving in the second half, a red card, several controversies, and a goal in the 92nd minute by Zian Flemming condemned the London side. Again, as against Leeds United, Liam Rosenior's pupils would drop two points against a relegation candidate. Earlier, a non-penalty call on Cole Palmer – Worrall stole the ball from him before also catching his ankle inside the area – and a clear chance wasted by Pedro Neto heated the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

If the Clarets had not given up against 11, imagine against 10. The clear red card for Wesley Fofana gave Scott Parker's men wings. Two yellow cards, the second after an incomprehensible stamp in the opponent's half, sent the French defender to the locker room with 20 minutes left to play. The sixth sending-off of this Premier League season for the Blues. Who remained on the field, despite knocking down an opponent as the last man, was Tosin Adarabioyo.

Burnley had prowled around Robert Sanchez's area so much that, in added time, the 1-1 ended up going on the scoreboard. A perfectly taken corner by James Ward-Prowse and an even more incontestable header from Flemming brought justice to west London. The last and best chance of the match was even Burnley's, who do not give up in their fight to stay in the Premier League. The Champions League is what is becoming complicated for Chelsea.

Chelsea Player Ratings

R. Sanchez: 7.2
R. James: 7.1
W. Fofana: 6.8
T. Chalobah: 6.9
M. Gusto: 6.8
M. Caicedo: 7.3
A. Santos: 7.3
C. Palmer: 7.5
E. Fernandez: 6.1
P. Neto: 8.3
J. Pedro: 7.4

The ratings were generated by Sofascore's statistical engine.

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