Chelsea got revenge on Italian sides in the Champions League with a crucial 3-2 win over Napoli in the final group stage game.
The Blues’ chances of finishing in the top eight took a major hit when Enzo Maresca’s side were beaten by Atalanta, however they ended up securing a sixth-place finish.
Chelsea secured £70m from their group stage participation, and Liam Rosenior picked up easily his biggest win so far as manager of the club.
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After Enzo Fernandez gave the Blues the lead from the penalty spot, they were pegged back and actually trailed at half-time.
This was before Joao Pedro’s sensational brace turned the game on its head, moving him on to 15 goal contributions for the season.
Italian media were quick to point out just how impressive the Brazil international was for the Blues, with TuttoMercatoWeb claiming that he nearly won the game on his own.
They also waxed lyrical about his first goal, saying: “A striker who makes the team play well: he hides the ball from the opponents and creates a stunning goal. Then he doubles it up on the counterattack. He practically wins the game single-handedly.”
Pedro starred in our player ratings for the game, and his performance has helped the Blues avoid the dreaded play-off tie that would see them play another two games this season.
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Who can Chelsea play in the next round of the Champions League?
Finishing sixth in the group stage sees Chelsea skip the play-off stage that will include the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Friday’s draw will confirm who the Blues will face in the next round, however it will be one of PSG, Newcastle, Qarabag or Monaco who they await in the Round of 16.
While facing the Champions League holders would be intimidating for most, Chelsea can look back to their Club World Cup triumph as evidence they can get the better of the French side should they face them in the next round.
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