Chelsea's promising start at the FIFA Club World Cup unravelled spectacularly as they surrendered a half-time lead to lose 3-1 against Flamengo in Philadelphia.
Pedro Neto's first-half strike had given Enzo Maresca's side control at the Lincoln Financial Field.
The Blues appeared comfortable at the interval, having taken the lead through Neto's breakaway goal.
Their opening victory against LAFC had set them on course for the knockout stages.
Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming on off the bench
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But what followed was a second-half capitulation that will concern Maresca deeply.
The Italian manager watched his team lose their composure entirely, transforming a position of strength into a damaging defeat.
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Flamengo's resurgence began in the 62nd minute when substitute Bruno Henrique found the net to level the scores.
The Brazilian side's equaliser sparked an extraordinary three-minute spell that turned the match on its head.
Former Manchester City defender Danilo struck moments later to complete the turnaround.
The veteran's close-range finish punished Chelsea's defensive frailties and sent the vociferous Flamengo supporters into raptures.
Maresca responded with substitutions, bringing on Nicolas Jackson for Liam Delap, who had made his first start for the Blues since joining from Ipswich.
The summer signing had started up front but made way as Chelsea desperately sought to regain control of a match that was slipping away from them.
Jackson's introduction proved catastrophic. Just four minutes after entering the fray, the Senegalese striker launched into what can only be described as a potential leg breaker.
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Chelsea were left stunned by Flamengo's dramatic comeback
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His studs-up challenge went straight down the shin of Ayrton Lucas, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish a straight red card. The 24-year-old's reckless lunge came on his birthday, compounding a miserable afternoon.
This marked Jackson's second dismissal in six weeks, having previously seen red against Newcastle in the Premier League.
Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, now managing Flamengo, delivered the final blow through another inspired substitution.
Wallace Yan required mere seconds to make his impact, coolly finishing past Robert Sanchez in the 85th minute after Gonzalo Plata's shot fell kindly to him.
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The Brazilian side's third goal sealed a comprehensive victory that leaves Chelsea's qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Despite winning their opening match against LAFC 2-0 in Atlanta, Maresca's men now trail Flamengo by three points in Group D.
The Blues must secure a result against ES Tunis in their final group fixture to progress to the knockout stages. Their Club World Cup ambitions remain alive, but only just.
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