Joao Pedro Hero in Dramatic Napoli Comeback
Chelsea have guaranteed their place in the Champions League last 16 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
In the new league phase format, the top eight teams progress straight to the last 16, avoiding the two-legged knockout play-off. Chelsea sealed direct qualification with this win, having already beaten Pafos 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last week.
That victory made it four wins from four at home, highlighted by the emphatic performance against Barcelona where Estevao announced himself on the European stage.
However, Chelsea’s away form has been mixed — losses to Bayern Munich and Atalanta, plus a draw with Qarabag — setting up a tense final fixture in Naples where progression was on the line.
Joao Pedro netted twice as Liam Rosenior’s side fought back from 1-2 down to claim a dramatic 3-2 win and secure their spot in the knockouts.
Last-16 Draw and Potential Opponents
Chelsea finished sixth in the league phase, meaning they will face the winner of the knockout phase play-off between either the 11th and 12th seeds or the 21st and 22nd seeds.
The last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 27. First legs are scheduled for March 10 or 11, with returns a week later.
Potential opponents for Chelsea include:
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Newcastle
- Monaco
All will be confirmed after the knockout phase play-off draw on Friday, January 30.
Chelsea’s progression without the play-off tie avoids added fixture congestion in February, giving Rosenior’s side a clearer run as they push for success in multiple competitions. Joao Pedro’s heroics in Naples provided the perfect send-off into the knockout stages.
