João Pedro double sends Chelsea past Napoli and avoids Champions League playoff

João Pedro scored twice as Chelsea came from behind to beat Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the Champions League league stage, Cole Palmer setting up both goals. The victory ensured Chelsea finished in the top eight and avoided a two-legged playoff, while Napoli were eliminated.

Chelsea had taken the lead when Enzo Fernández converted a penalty in the 19th minute after the referee spotted Juan Jesus blocking a free-kick. Napoli responded strongly: Antonio Vergara equalised with a solo run and Rasmus Højlund put Napoli in front from close range before half-time.

Liam Rosenior began by matching Antonio Conte’s 3-4-2-1 system, with Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto as wing-backs and Reece James and Marc Cucurella alongside Wesley Fofana. Napoli’s injury problems left Conte able to name only five outfield players on the bench, but they created many chances by targeting Chelsea’s flanks.

Rosenior switched to a back four, bringing on Cole Palmer, and the change proved decisive. Palmer flicked the ball to João Pedro, who levelled with a 25-yard shot, and later released him for the 82nd-minute winner as Napoli pushed forward and were exposed on the counter. The win was Chelsea’s first away success at this level in over three years and prevented a playoff to reach the last 16; the report records Napoli’s early elimination and Conte watching in despair.

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