Chelsea secured their place in the Champions League top eight with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Maradona, eliminating Antonio Conte's side from the competition. Joao Pedro scored twice, including a decisive late strike, to send the Blues into the knockout stage without the need for an extra play-off round.
The match was a tense affair, with Napoli taking the fight to Chelsea in the first half. However, the Blues rallied after the break, with Joao Pedro's first goal leveling the score before he netted again following a assist from Cole Palmer. Napoli's Joao Pedro also scored for the home side, but it was not enough to keep their European dreams alive.
Romelu Lukaku, a former Chelsea player, came on as a substitute for Napoli but could not inspire a comeback. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was forced off in tears with an apparent ankle injury, adding to the hosts' woes. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a crucial late save from Romelu Lukaku to preserve the lead.
The result means Chelsea will face one of Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag in the last 16. Napoli, meanwhile, are out of Europe, marking another disappointment for manager Antonio Conte in continental competition. Chelsea are one of five English clubs in the top eight, with only Newcastle missing out.
