Joao Pedro the hero as Chelsea reach last 16 of Champions League
Napoli 2Vergara (33′)
Højlund (43′)
Chelsea 3Fernandez (pen, 19′)
Joao Pedro (61′, 82′)
Joao Pedro was Chelsea’s hero, scoring twice as they came from behind to win in Naples and secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
After Enzo Fernandez put the visitors ahead with a 19th-minute penalty, former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s injury-hit side hit back, with Antonio Vergara equalising and Rasmus Hojlund putting them ahead.
But Joao Pedro levelled with a cracking goal and, with his side still looking on course for the play-offs, the Brazilian struck again on 82 minutes to clinch the top-eight finish needed to go straight through to the next phase.
Chelsea began the night in eighth but, with five teams level on points with them, knew they almost certainly needed to win in order to automatically progress. Joao Pedro’s brace meant they finished sixth.
It was their fourth victory in a row – and fifth in six matches since Liam Rosenior took over as head coach.
Fernandez calmly netted from the spot after Juan Jesus had used his arm to block Reece James’ free-kick.
But Chelsea then came under pressure, and the Diego Maradona Stadium – named after the Napoli and Argentina legend – was in raptures when Vergara produced a Maradona-style turn away from Wesley Fofana and placed the ball beyond keeper Robert Sanchez.
Fofana was found wanting again shortly before half-time, when on-loan Manchester United striker Hojlund got in front of him to tuck away Mathías Olivera’s low cross.
Cole Palmer, back in the Chelsea squad following his recent absence, was brought on at the interval.
Palmer was involved in a neat build-up to Joao Pedro’s stunning goal just after the hour mark. The Brazilian turned and sent a glorious left-footed strike beyond keeper Alex Meret.
Palmer was also involved in the winner. Joao Pedro exchanged passes with him, raced through on goal and finished emphatically.
And in stoppage time, Sanchez produced a vital save to deny former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto (Chaolobah 59), James, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos (Gittens 59 (Badiashile 90)); Estevao (Garnacho 74), Fernandez, Neto (Palmer 46); Joao Pedro.
Subs not used: Jorgensen, Merrick, Acheampong, Hato, George, Delap, Guiu.
