Champions League: Pedro double completes Chelsea comeback as Napoli crash out

28.01.26 FT Champions League

SSC Napoli

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Chelsea

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Chelsea beat Napoli 3-2 in Italy to finish sixth in the league phase and qualify directly for Champions League round of 16.

Five-Goal thriller in Naples

Chelsea claimed dramatic 3-2 away victory over Napoli on Wednesday at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, in the final round of the 2025 /26 Champions League league phase.

The match delivered fast and intense contest, with both teams trading goals in high-pressure night that decided qualification and elimination positions.

Chelsea strike first, Napoli respond before the break

Chelsea opened the scoring in the 19 minute when Enzo Fernandez converted penalty to give the English side early lead.

Napoli reacted well and turned the match around before halftime. Antonio Vergara equalised in the 33 minute before Rasmus Hojlund added second goal in the 43 sending the Italian club into the break with 2-1 advantage.

Joao Pedro leads second-half comeback

Chelsea came back strongly after the interval, driven by decisive performance from Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian forward scored twice netting the equaliser in the 61 minute and then grabbing the winning goal in the 82 minute to complete Chelsea’s comeback and seal all three point.

Chelsea through, Napoli drop into Europa League

With the win, Chelsea moved to 16 point finishing sixth in the table and securing direct qualification to Champions League round of 16 avoiding the playoff round.

Napoli, meanwhile, remained on eight points in 30th place, meaning their Champions League campaign is over. The Italian side will now continue in the UEFA Europa League in the next stage.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Champions League