Chelsea have become the first Champions League holders to exit the competition at the group stage after Juventus beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0.
The Blues, managed by Roberto di Matteo for five of their six group matches, are also the first European Cup holders to be eliminated at the first round of entry since Steaua Bucharest in the 1986-87 season.
Rafael Benítez's side thrashed Nordsjaelland 6-1 at Stamford Bridge through a Fernando Torres double and goals from David Luíz, Gary Cahill, Juan Mata and Oscar but with Italian champions Juve needing only to avoid defeat the result was academic.
Chelsea Nordsjaelland
Benítez, interim manager at Stamford Bridge, will now have to make do with Europa League football, a competition he has only experienced in the latter half of his final season as Liverpool manager in 2009-10.
Juventus' victory in Donetsk ensured their status as unbeaten group winners, with their opponents' qualification already secured before the evening's fixtures.