Exactly 200 days after winning the Champions League, Chelsea lost its grip on the trophy to mark the shortest title defence in the competition's history.
Juventus eliminated the reigning champions by beating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Wednesday, with Galatasaray and Celtic also qualifying for the last 16 in a thrilling final round of group-stage matches.
Chelsea needed to better Juventus's result in Ukraine to finish second in Group E, and kept its part of the bargain by thrashing FC Nordsjaelland 6-1 for Rafa Benitez's first win as interim manager.
It was in vain, however, as Olexander Kucher's own goal earned Juventus victory and top spot ahead of Shakhtar.
"We knew it could happen, unfortunately the damage had been done before," said Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Galatasaray beat Braga 2-1 to finish ahead of Cluj, which won 1-0 at below-strength Manchester United. Celtic defeated Spartak Moscow 2-1 in Group G thanks to a controversial late penalty to oust Benfica, whose 0-0 draw at Barcelona was marred by a knee injury to Lionel Messi.
