By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, January 29 ,2026 - Chelsea continued their strong run in the UEFA Champions League by beating Napoli 3-2 in a thrilling away encounter to secure a place in the round of 16. The victory also marked another milestone in Liam Rosenior’s promising start as head coach, highlighting how well his side has adapted to Europe’s elite competition this season.
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona didn’t start perfectly for Chelsea, but it finished in style. Enzo Fernández put the visitors ahead with an early penalty, turning in Reece James’s free-kick chance from the spot in the 19th minute. Napoli responded strongly just before half-time, with Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Højlund scoring to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Chelsea needed a strong second-half comeback to take the points, and it was João Pedro who delivered with two excellent goals in the 61st and 82nd minute. The Brazilian’s strikes turned the game around, completing a memorable fightback and sealing a vital victory for the Blues.
This result was significant for several reasons. It was Chelsea’s first away win in the Champions League this season and ensured they finished sixth in the league phase standings, enough to qualify directly for the last 16 and avoid the knockout play-offs.
For Rosenior, the match was a strong indicator that his young squad can respond under pressure. He praised the unity and resilience shown by his players after going behind at half-time, especially in a stadium where Napoli had been unbeaten for a long period in European competition.
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Chelsea’s progress isn’t just about this one win. It reflects a tactical growth and confidence that has developed since Rosenior took over. The team showed character to absorb pressure and then strike decisively when it mattered, with substitutes such as Cole Palmer also making an impact late in the game.
Napoli, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses that ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stages. Their strong league phase was ended abruptly by this result, which means Serie A’s reigning champions will head into a European winter without further Champions League involvement.
With the round of 16 now set, Chelsea will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next European challenges. Rosenior’s perfect start continues to draw attention, and this comeback win in Naples could prove to be one of the defining results of their continental campaign.
