Chelsea’s Napoli Comeback: João Pedro Silences the Maradona

Chelsea delivered a statement performance today, mounting a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Napoli to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. In a high-stakes encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Blues recovered from a 2-1 halftime deficit to leapfrog into 6th place in the final standings. The result is a bitter pill for former Blues boss Antonio Conte, whose Napoli side has been officially eliminated from European competition altogether.

Spain is our pick to win the World Cup in 2026. Find out why here.

Napoli vs Chelsea Match Facts

Arena: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Location: Naples, Italy
Result: Chelsea 3 (Fernandez 19′ Pen, João Pedro 61′ 82′) – Napoli 2 (Vergara 33′, Hojlund 43′)
UCL Standings: Chelsea finish 6th; Napoli finish 30th (Eliminated)

Match Breakdown: The Palmer and Pedro Show

Chelsea took an early lead when Enzo Fernandez maintained his composure to convert a 19th-minute penalty. However, the hosts roared back as Antonio Vergara scored a sensational equalizer in the 33rd minute, followed by a Rasmus Hojlund strike just before the interval to give Napoli the lead.

The Tactical Shift: Liam Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer at halftime, a move that immediately shifted the momentum. Palmer provided the assist for João Pedro’s “outrageous" long-range equalizer in the 61st minute.
The Knockout Blow: The duo combined again in the 82nd minute as Palmer released João Pedro, who surged into the box and drilled a low finish across the goal to seal the win.
Defensive Maturity: Despite the fervent atmosphere, Chelsea’s backline—bolstered by the return of Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana—held firm during a frantic stoppage-time period.

The Injury Report: Napoli’s “Emergency" Ends in Exit

Antonio Conte’s side was unable to overcome a deep injury crisis that has plagued their season.

Napoli Absences: The hosts were without Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), David Neres (ankle), and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Romelu Lukaku was only fit enough to feature as a second-half substitute.
Chelsea Rotation: Rosenior’s gamble to rest Palmer in the first half paid dividends, as the forward looked fresh and decisive in his game-changing 45-minute cameo.
Qualification Reward: By finishing 6th, Chelsea avoids the playoff round, a significant achievement for Rosenior in his first European campaign with the club.