João Pedro Fires Chelsea into Champions League Last 16 with Napoli Comeback
Brazilian brace completes dramatic turnaround in Naples
João Pedro inspired a stunning Chelsea comeback as the Blues beat Napoli 3-2 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to secure their place in the Champions League last 16.
Facing the prospect of a February play-off round, Chelsea looked in serious trouble when Rasmus Højlund put Napoli ahead late in the first half. But two second-half goals from Pedro turned the tie on its head and sealed a famous European night for the London side.
Risky setup, promising start
With qualification on the line, Liam Rosenior took a gamble by switching to a back three, deploying Reece James and Marc Cucurella in unfamiliar central defensive roles. The plan initially paid off.
Chelsea started brightly and were rewarded after 17 minutes when Juan Jesus handled James’ free kick inside the wall. Amid deafening home support, Enzo Fernández kept his composure and rolled the penalty calmly into the bottom corner.
Napoli fight back
The goal sparked Napoli into life, with Chelsea increasingly unable to control possession. Giovanni Di Lorenzo tested Robert Sánchez at his near post as space opened up down the flanks.
The equaliser soon followed. A poor clearance from Andrey Santos gifted possession back to Napoli, and Mathías Olivera cleverly teed up Antonio Vergara. The 23-year-old academy graduate danced past Wesley Fofana before firing in his first senior goal, a moment that sent the stadium into raptures.
Napoli completed the turnaround before half-time. Olivera again found space, this time picking out Højlund, who stole in front of Fofana and finished first time to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Pedro changes everything
With Chelsea struggling for creativity, Cole Palmer was introduced at half-time, but it was João Pedro who produced the moment of magic.
Out of nowhere, the Brazilian smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top corner to level the tie — arguably his best goal since joining Chelsea.
Momentum swung instantly. Chelsea pushed higher, Napoli retreated, and the Blues sensed their chance.
That decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute, when Pedro raced clear of the defence and finished coolly to complete the comeback and send Chelsea through.
European relief for the Blues
From staring at another damaging European away defeat to celebrating qualification, Chelsea’s night was transformed by João Pedro’s brilliance.
The Blues march into the Champions League last 16, with their European fate now firmly back in their own hands.
