João Pedro sealed Chelsea’s place in the Champions League knockout stages with a clinical brace in a 3-2 comeback win at Napoli on Wednesday, securing a top-eight finish and sending the Italian side crashing out of the competition.
The Brazilian forward fired in two stunning goals in the second half as Chelsea recovered from a 2-1 deficit at the break to finish the group phase in style. With their backs against the wall, Chelsea looked set for a playoff spot after an intense first half where injury-hit Napoli led thanks to strikes from Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Højlund.
However, Pedro leveled the score in the 61st minute with a thunderous shot before striking again in the 82nd minute, converting a precise pass from Cole Palmer to give Chelsea a crucial victory.
The win highlighted Liam Rosenior’s impressive start as Chelsea’s manager, with five victories from his first six matches at the helm. Chelsea’s only loss during this stretch was a narrow defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup. The Blues displayed resilience and composure in a hostile environment, coming from behind to earn a significant European victory.
Napoli, plagued by injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Anguissa, fought valiantly but saw their Champions League hopes end despite a spirited performance. Antonio Conte’s side received a round of applause from the fans at the final whistle for their brave but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to keep their European campaign alive.
