Napoli 2-3 Chelsea, UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Pedro’s Brilliance Ends Naples' Campaign

Chelsea pulled off an impressive 3-2 comeback victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to secure a Champions League last-16 spot and send the Italian side crashing out of Europe. After Enzo Fernandez gave Chelsea an early lead from the penalty spot, Napoli turned the game around before halftime through goals from Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund to lead 2-1. However, Joao Pedro sparked the comeback with two second-half goals, including an equaliser and a late winner, driving Chelsea to victory and automatic qualification as one of the top eight teams. Napoli needed a win to stay in the competition, but were ultimately undone by Chelsea’s resilience and Pedro’s brilliance

Updated on: 29 January 2026 11:40 am

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-

Chelsea players celebrate at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

1/10

Napoli players applaud their supporters at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

2/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Wesley Fofana

Chelsea's Wesley Fofana celebrates at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

3/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Romelu Lukaku

Napoli's Romelu Lukaku controls the ball during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

4/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Joao Pedro

Chelsea's Joao Pedro celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's third goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

5/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Antonio Vergara

Napoli's Antonio Vergara scores his side's first goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

6/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Marc Cucurella

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella challenges for the ball with Napoli's Antonio Vergara during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

7/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Pedro Neto

Chelsea's Pedro Neto challenges for the ball with Napoli's Mathias Olivera during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

8/10

Napoli's Antonio Vergara celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

9/10

Napoli vs Chelsea Champions League Soccer-Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez hugs with his teammate Estevao before kicking a penalty kick during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia

10/10

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal on a penalty kick during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Napoli and Chelsea, in Naples, Italy. | Photo: AP/Gregorio Borgia