Joao Pedros brace propels Chelsea to Champions League knockout stage and eliminates Napoli

Joao Pedro propelled Chelsea into the knockout rounds of the Champions League thanks to a decisive brace during Wednesdays 3-2 victory over Napoli, which locked in a top eight position and saw the Italian side knocked out.

The Brazilian striker netted two stunning strikes after the interval in Naples, allowing Chelsea to overturn a halftime deficit and end the group stage on a high note.

At the break Chelsea appeared headed for the playoffs while a depleted Napoli, desperate for a win to survive in the tournament, held the lead courtesy of strikes from Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund.

However Pedro equalised for Chelsea in the 61st minute with a powerful finish, then sealed the impressive away triumph eight minutes from time following a clever pass from Cole Palmer.

These strikes extended Liam Roseniors strong beginning as Chelseas manager, boasting five victories in his initial six games at the helm for the London outfit.

Chelseas sole loss in that sequence was a narrow setback against Premier League frontrunners Arsenal in the English League Cup, yet the Blues displayed resilience and poise to prevail amid the intense setting in Naples.

Napoli were without numerous key players, such as extended absentees Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Anguissa, and bowed out of the Champions League after a valiant showing that capped a thoroughly underwhelming continental effort.

Antonio Contes squad received applause from the crowd as they left the pitch post whistle, honouring Napolis bold yet ultimately fruitless bid to remain in Europes premier club tournament.