Thomas Tuchel's men had to achieve the same result as Juve to finish first.
But if Timo Werner (2nd, 85th) and Romelu Lukaku (62nd) believed to give the victory to theirs, the Russians equalized in the last seconds thanks to Magomed Ozdoev.
And the Italians won at the same time against Malmö (1-0).
Juventus Turin striker Moise Kean opens the scoring at home against Malmö goalkeeper Ismaël Diawara on Matchday 6 of Group H of the Champions League, December 8, 2021 Marco BERTORELLO AFP
Tuchel composed a starting XI largely changed from that of the defeat (3-2) at West Ham last weekend.
But as in the league, the hitherto most airtight defense in the Champions League (a goal conceded before kick-off) showed weaknesses.
Despite Werner's quick opener, it was the Russians, assured before the meeting to finish third and play in the Europa League, who then took the lead.
The joy of the German striker of Chelsea, Timo Werner, after having opened the scoring on the ground of Zenit Saint Petersburg, during the 6th day of the group H of the Champions League, December 8, 2021 Olga MALTSEVA AFP
And like West Ham, the Zenith has cracked Chelsea on three occasions, first by equalizing by Claudinho (38th).
Four minutes later, Sardar Azmoun, served by Malcom, gave the advantage to the locals.
Iranian Zénit Saint-Petersburg striker Sardar Azmoun after scoring the 2nd home goal against Chelsea, during Matchday 6 of Group H of the Champions League, December 8, 2021 Olga MALTSEVA AFP
If the Londoners believed for a time to regain first place thanks to Werner, passer for Lukaku then scorer, Ozdoev rewarded his family (94th).
And changed the face of the H.
© 2021 AFP