Chelsea produced a shocking second-half comeback to defeat Napoli 3-2 on the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, sealing a top-eight end within the UEFA Champions League league part and reserving computerized qualification for the Spherical of 16.
The outcome ended Napoli’s 25-game unbeaten house run in all competitions and confirmed the Italian facet’s elimination. Already assured of development, Chelsea got here into the evening clinging to eighth place on purpose distinction alone, understanding any slip may power them into the play-offs.
Confidence, nevertheless, was excessive after latest home kind, with SoftFootball highlighting the Blues’ rising momentum and resilience beneath interim supervisor Liam Rosenior. The guests struck first within the nineteenth minute when Enzo Fernández calmly transformed from the penalty spot after Juan Jesus was penalised for handball from a Reece James free kick.
Napoli responded with depth, and their strain paid off when Antonio Vergara produced an excellent particular person effort, spinning away from his marker earlier than firing low into the nook. Simply earlier than half-time, Rasmus Højlund accomplished the turnaround, ending from shut vary after a harmful low cross from Mathías Olivera.
Chelsea struggled defensively within the first half, prompting Rosenior to behave. The introduction of Cole Palmer on the break proved decisive, including creativity and management to the midfield. As the sport settled, Chelsea grew in confidence, and João Pedro dragged them degree within the 61st minute with a thunderous left-footed strike from outdoors the field.
With Napoli starting to fade, Chelsea sensed their second. Eight minutes from time, Pedro accomplished his brace, racing by way of on a wonderfully weighted Palmer cross earlier than ending coolly to stun the house crowd. Robert Sánchez was then known as into motion late on, denying Romelu Lukaku to protect the lead.
The victory, shared by the workforce’s official X account, makes Chelsea solely the second facet to beat Napoli at house of their final 21 matches and secures sixth place within the league part.
João Pedro was the standout performer, whereas Palmer’s two assists underlined his significance, a standing Rosenior has repeatedly defended. For Chelsea, it was an announcement win. For Napoli, a painful European exit.
