UCL: Joao Pedro double sends Chelsea through, Napoli out

UCL: Joao Pedro double sends Chelsea through, Napoli out

Chelsea secured a top-8 finish in the Champions League as Joao Pedro scored two times within the 2nd half of to overturn Napoli and seal direct qualification for the last 16, finishing the Italian facet’s eu campaign.

Napoli rally after Chelsea opener
Chelsea began on the front foot and had been rewarded inside the 18th minute while Reece James’ free-kick struck the arm of Juan Jesus inside the region.

Enzo Fernandez stepped up and drove the resulting penalty into the bottom nook to give the site visitors the lead.

Napoli answered with greater depth. Efforts from Mathias Olivera and Giovanni di Lorenzo had been blocked or stored before the hosts determined an equaliser.

Antonio Vergara scored his first aim for the membership in the 33rd minute, breaking far from midfield, evading Moises Caicedo and Wesley Fofana, then completing calmly beyond Robert Sanchez.

The turnaround used to be completed rapidly earlier than half of-time. Rasmus Hojlund, on mortgage from Manchester United, met Olivera’s low go and guided a primary-time end beyond Sanchez to put Napoli two-1 in advance on the damage.

Palmer effect sparks Chelsea comeback
Chelsea head educate Enzo Maresca added Cole Palmer at half of-time following his recuperation from a thigh damage, and the synthetic modified the pace of the contest.

Palmer performed a key role in the equaliser on sixty one minutes, finding Joao Pedro on the edge of the place. The Brazilian shrugged off a project and fired a effective strike into the internet to restore parity.

With Napoli pushing ahead searching for a decisive goal, Chelsea determined space on the counter-assault.

Palmer once more provided the help inside the 82nd minute, releasing Joao Pedro, who confirmed composure to slot his shot below goalkeeper Alex Meret for the winner.

Napoli pressed overdue on, and replacement Romelu Lukaku went close in opposition to his former membership in added time, however Sanchez stored effectively to keep Chelsea’s benefit.

The result secured Chelsea an area within the Champions League remaining 16 besides the need for a February play-off, at the same time as Napoli’s defeat confirmed their removal from ecu opposition.