Champions League – Chelsea defeated Napoli 3-2 to advance directly to the Round of 16
2026-01-29 03:54
The 8th round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League continued with a key match, with Chelsea, playing away, defeating Napoli 3-2 thanks to goals from Enzo and João Pedro.
In the 11th minute of the match, Gusto delivered a corner kick, and André Santos rose to head the ball towards the goal, but Napoli goalkeeper Meret caught it.
In the 17th minute, Chelsea won a free kick. Reece James received a short pass from Enzo and attempted a chip shot, but the ball struck Napoli defender Juan Jesus's hand, resulting in a penalty for Chelsea. Enzo converted the penalty, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead.
In the 27th minute, Pedro Neto received the ball and shot, but it was cleared by Napoli goalkeeper Meret. João Pedro then attempted a bicycle kick, but it went wide. A minute later, Napoli tried a counter-attack, and Di Lorenzo received the ball in a scramble, broke through the defense, and fired a low shot, but the ball was blocked by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
In the 33rd minute, Napoli intercepted the ball and launched an attack. Vergara received a pass from Oliveira, broke through Caicedo's defense, and scored with a low shot, leveling the score at 1-1 for Napoli. In the 43rd minute, Oliveira received the ball and crossed it in front of the goal, where Hoylund slotted it home, giving Napoli a 2-1 lead.
In the 45th minute, Chelsea attempted a counter-attack. Pedro Neto crossed the ball while facing the defense, but João Pedro's header went over the bar.
At the start of the second half, Chelsea substituted Palmer for Pedro Neto. In the 61st minute, Palmer played a through ball to Pedro Neto, who then fired a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area to equalize for Chelsea at 2-2. In the 63rd minute, Napoli created an attacking opportunity, and Hoylund received the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a long-range shot, but the ball went directly over the goal.
In the 74th minute, Reece James was stepped on by Elmas as he prepared to receive the ball, and the referee showed Elmas a yellow card. In the 82nd minute, Palmer regained possession after dealing with the defense and then made a through pass. João Pedro followed up and charged into the penalty area before slotting the ball into the net, giving Chelsea a 3-2 lead over Napoli.
In stoppage time of the second half, Lukaku received a cross from his teammate in the penalty area and shot, but the ball was blocked by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Ultimately, Chelsea defeated Napoli 3-2 away from home, securing sixth place and advancing directly to the round of 16, while Napoli, finishing 30th, were eliminated from the Champions League campaign.
Image source: Internet
