Napoli knocked out in the Champions League, Joao Pedro is the actor of Chelsea's victory

Striker Joao Pedro scored a brace that led Chelsea to a 3-2 win over Napoli and qualified for the Champions League 16th round. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - A surprise in the Champions League after the Italian Serie A champion Napoli was eliminated. Ironically, Napoli who played at home at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium was forced to surrender 3-2 against Chelsea, Thursday, January 29, 2026 WIB. Striker Joao Pedro successfully scored a brace that took Chelsea to the last 16 and eliminated Napoli.

Chelsea, who are busy defending Cole Palmer because they are being targeted by Manchester United and Manchester City, won an important victory in the last match of the Champions League. Chelsea actually ensured their qualification even if they had to go through the playoffs when visiting Napoli's home.

If they eventually lose to Napoli, this English Premier League team will still keep the opportunity to qualify for the knockout round. This makes Chelsea not too hopeful of defeating Napoli, who on the other hand need a victory to open the hope of staying in the Champions League.

However, Napoli's hopes were extinguished when playing at home. This was a small surprise in the European competition when Napoli had to admit Chelsea's advantage. The defeat made Napoli eliminated because they only ranked 30 with eight points. Meanwhile, the playoff zone received teams occupying positions nine to 24.

Meanwhile, Chelsea didn't have to bother with the playoffs. The team coached by Liam Rosenior automatically qualified for the top eight after finishing in sixth place with 16 points.

Appearing at the opponent's home, Chelsea was able to show maximum performance. The 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the English League match added motivation and confidence for the players to face Scott McTominay et al.

Both teams also alternately put pressure. Especially Napoli who needs a victory to save their position in the Champions League. However, Napoli's goal was conceded because of a penalty in the 17th minute.

The referee pointed to the white spot after defender Juan Jesus was ruled to have handball while anticipating Reece James' free kick. The penalty was taken by Enzo Fernandez and the Argentina national team midfielder made it well to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.

In a losing position, there is no choice for Napoli except to increase the attack. As a result, winger Giovanni Di Lorenzo had a chance after successfully breaking through the Blues' defense. Only his kick could still be thwarted by goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez.

After many failed attempts, Napoli finally managed to break the deadlock through striker Antonio Vergara in the 33rd minute. The goal started from Mathias Olivera's action who gave the ball to Vergara. The 23-year-old striker managed to outwit defender Wesley Fofana before launching a shot that defeated goalkeeper Sanchez.

The score was tied 1-1 through Vergara's first goal in the senior team. The goal made the Napoli player more excited to press Chelsea's defense.

Antonio Conte's team's efforts have again borne fruit. This time, striker Rasmus Hojlund who led the hosts turned ahead of halftime. The goal, again, was inseparable from Olivera's role in providing an assist to the former Manchester United striker who finished it with a first-time kick.

The goal in the 43rd minute changed the score to 2-1 for Napoli. There were no additional goals from both teams and the score remained until halftime.

In the second half, Rosenior brought in Palmer who was rumored to be uncomfortable at Stamford Bridge and wanted to go home to Manchester. Palmer's entry is expected to revive Chelsea's attack.

Rosenior's decision was not wrong. Palmer's creativity made the team's attack more sharp. Not only that, Palmer also gave an assist to Pedro who was maximized in the 61st minute.

Even Pedro's long-range shot that went to the top corner of the goal and was missed by goalkeeper Alex Meret seemed to be the best goal since he joined Chelsea.

Chelsea also equalized the score to 2-2. They also played more aggressively and made the match tight. This is because Napoli tried to add goals to win the match.

However, the I Partenopei's hopes were not fulfilled. Instead, Meret's goal was again broken by Pedro in the 82nd minute. And for the second time, Palmer gave an assist that was well finished by Pedro to score a brace.

The score was 3-2 for Chelsea and did not change until the end of the match. Chelsea also won a ticket to the 16th round without having to play a playoff. Meanwhile, Napoli was eliminated in the Champions League.