Joao Pedro scored twice as Chelsea edged Napoli 3-2 to secure automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League last 16, ending the Italian side’s hopes of progressing and bringing their 25-match unbeaten home run to a close.

Having already guaranteed a place in the knockout phase, Chelsea entered the match sitting eighth in the league standings – the final position offering direct passage to the round of 16. However, they were clinging to that spot on goal difference, with Napoli narrowly outside the top 24 after dropping points against 10-man Copenhagen on Matchday 7.

After a cautious opening, the breakthrough arrived midway through the first half when Juan Jesus was penalised for handling a Reece James free-kick inside the area. Enzo Fernandez made no mistake from the spot, firing his fifth penalty of the season beyond Alex Meret.

Napoli responded positively and began to apply sustained pressure, with Mathias Olivera heavily involved down the left. Their efforts were rewarded when local boy Antonio Vergara produced a superb Maradona turn to create space before curling a fine finish into the bottom corner for his first senior goal. Moments before half-time, the hosts completed the turnaround as Rasmus Hojlund swept home Olivera’s low cross.

With both sides occupying play-off positions at the restart, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior sought a spark by introducing Cole Palmer for Neto. The game settled into a quieter rhythm before Joao Pedro reignited it just after the hour mark, smashing a stunning strike into the top corner to restore parity.

Needing another goal to reclaim their place in the top eight, Chelsea pushed forward, and shortly after former Blue Romelu Lukaku came on for his 800th career appearance, Pedro struck again. The Brazilian surged forward on a solo run and finished clinically to give the visitors a decisive late lead.

Napoli attempted to force an equaliser, but Robert Sanchez denied Lukaku in stoppage time to preserve Chelsea’s advantage. The defeat was only the Partenopei’s second in 21 Champions League matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and saw them miss out on the top 24 by a single point.

Chelsea, meanwhile, held on to their automatic place in the last 16 and will now await their next opponents following the conclusion of the knockout play-off round.