Joao Pedro double sends Chelsea into Champions League last 16 with 3-2 win at Napoli

Joao Pedro scored twice as Chelsea beat Napoli 3-2 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday to seal their progress into the Champions League last 16, a comeback victory for Liam Rosenior’s side in his sixth game in charge.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Enzo Fernandez converted a penalty after Reece James’ free-kick struck Juan Jesus’ arm in the wall. Napoli equalised just after the half-hour through Antonio Vergara, who executed a Maradona-esque turn before finishing, and Rasmus Hojlund put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time.

On the hour mark Pedro levelled for the Blues with a 25-yard strike, and he completed the turnaround with eight minutes remaining, finishing into the far corner after linking up with substitute Cole Palmer to give Chelsea the win in Naples.

GOAL’s ratings highlighted Pedro’s 9/10 for his two goals and decisive impact, while Fernandez and Moises Caicedo earned 7/10s. Cole Palmer was given 7/10 for a promising cameo. Defensively Robert Sanchez was rated 6/10, Malo Gusto 5/10 and Wesley Fofana 4/10; Pedro Neto and Estevao were among those rated 4/10.

Rosenior was credited by GOAL for his tactical choices in what the outlet called a fine way to prove his worth, and Chelsea’s victory sends them through to the Champions League last 16. Napoli are managed by Antonio Conte, and the result settled the group-stage outcome for the Blues.

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