Chelsea return to action at Stamford Bridge against Everton, a match Maresca views as a crucial opportunity to restore momentum and put the disappointment in Bergamo behind them.

In Italy, Chelsea had taken an early advantage when Joao Pedro converted Reece James" low cross for his first Champions League goal. The visitors edged the first half but failed to retain control, allowing Atalanta back into the contest.

Gianluca Scamacca levelled with a powerful header before Charles De Ketelaere struck to give the hosts the lead. Despite a tight and competitive second half, Atalanta held firm to secure the win.

Maresca acknowledged the implications of the defeat, noting that Chelsea will probably need victories in both remaining group matches - at home to Pafos and away at Napoli - to progress directly to the last 32 and avoid the play-off round. However, he emphasised that immediate attention must be on Everton

"After the goal we conceded we lost a little bit the control of the game," said Maresca. "The first half we scored the goal, we conceded some chances. The second half we had two good chances to score the second one, and then they scored.

"After it went 1-1 we lost a little bit the control of the game and they got the second one. I think both goals we conceded we could have avoided. They were quite easy goals.

"I don't think we suffered too much until we conceded the goal. That changed the whole dynamic of the game. After the second goal we had an opportunity to score and level the game, but this is a particular moment for us and we just need to win the next game.

"Probably with two wins and 16 points you can be in the top eight, but I'm not sure about that. Now the focus has to be the game at home and then the next one.

"For sure, if we want to try to finish in the top eight we need to win both. Otherwise we will have to play in the play-off to go through to the next round.

"Now the game is finished. Now the focus has to be on Saturday's game because now we need to win games as soon as possible."

Enzo Maresca: Chelsea fully locked in on Everton fixture after Atalanta loss