“I Know I Scored a Beautiful Goal, But You Were the Best Player Today” — Joao Pedro Emotional Tribute to Departing Chelsea Teammate I can’t believe you have played your last game for us”: Chelsea Number 9 Joao Pedro sent emotional message to ONE Chelsea team mates who has just played his last game for the club against Napoli. Joao Pedro HAS SHED TEARS OVER THAT GUY EXIT

Chelsea staged a dramatic comeback against Napoli with two second-half strikes from Joao Pedro, securing their place in the Champions League’s top eight while eliminating the Italian side from the competition.

Despite Enzo Fernandez converting an early penalty to give Chelsea the lead, goals from Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund had turned the match in Napoli’s favor before the break.

The game changed after the interval when Cole Palmer entered as a substitute and played a crucial role in setting up both of Joao Pedro’s decisive goals.

The result brought devastation for Napoli and celebration for Chelsea, who advanced directly to the round of 16.

Chelsea’s bright start saw captain Reece James earn a spot-kick in the 18th minute after his free-kick struck Juan Jesus’s arm, with Fernandez confidently converting by firing low into the net.

Falling behind galvanized Antonio Conte’s Napoli, as defenders Mathias Olivera and Giovanni di Lorenzo tested Chelsea’s defense with blocked and saved attempts before eventually breaking through.

Napoli’s equalizer came through an outstanding debut goal from hometown talent Antonio Vergara, who skillfully evaded Moises Caicedo, turned past Wesley Fofana, and coolly finished beyond Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez.

Ten minutes after Vergara’s 33rd-minute strike, on-loan Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund doubled Napoli’s advantage, getting ahead of Fofana to convert Olivera’s low delivery with a precise first-touch finish.

Palmer, who had been sidelined due to a thigh injury, replaced Pedro Neto at halftime and immediately influenced proceedings.

His impact was felt when he supplied Joao Pedro, who powered through a challenge to hammer home an equalizer from distance in the 61st minute.

Palmer then released the Brazilian striker on a counterattack, allowing him to calmly slot the 82nd-minute winner through Meret’s legs.

Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, coming off the bench, nearly salvaged a late equalizer against his old team, but goalkeeper Sanchez comfortably gathered his tame effort.

1. While the reigning Italian champions exit European competition, Chelsea bypass the February play-off round and proceed directly to the knockout stages in their first attempt.