Joao Pedro gives Chelsea top-eight finish as Napoli go out

Two second-half goals from Joao Pedro saw Chelsea come from behind against Napoli to finish in the top eight while knocking the Italian side out of the Champions League.

Enzo Fernandez had opened the scoring with a penalty, but Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund put Napoli ahead just before half-time.

However, Cole Palmer was brought on at the interval and set up both of Joao Pedro’s second half goals.

It was heartbreak for Napoli and ecstasy for Chelsea, who secured a place in the last 16.

Chelsea began strongly when captain Reece James struck a free-kick against the hand of Juan Jesus to win a penalty in the 18th minute, which Enzo Fernandez drilled powerfully into the bottom corner.

Going a goal down sparked urgency from Antonio Conte’s Napoli side, as defenders Mathias Olivera and Giovanni di Lorenzo had efforts blocked and saved before equalising.

The home side’s opener came in the form of a remarkable first Napoli goal for local playmaker Antonio Vergara, as he escaped Moises Caicedo in midfield, turned Wesley Fofana and placed his shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Vergara’s 33rd-minute strike was followed 10 minutes later by Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, the on-loan Manchester United striker beating Fofana to meet Olivera’s low cross and guide a first-time finish into the corner.

At half-time, Palmer, on the bench having recovered from a thigh problem, came on to replace Pedro Neto.

Palmer made an impact by feeding Joao Pedro, who shrugged off a challenge and smashed in an equaliser from the edge of the box in the 61st minute.

The Brazilian striker was then found by Palmer while counter-attacking and slotted an 82nd-minute winner under the legs of Meret.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku had a chance to equalise in added time against his former club but his shot was saved as it was struck directly at goalkeeper Sanchez.

The Italian champions are out of Europe, but Chelsea avoid a two‑legged play-off in February and qualify for the last 16 at the first time of asking.