Chelsea Defeats Napoli in Style in an End-to-End Match
- therookiereporters
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Chelsea claimed victory against Napoli under the Italian skies in a thrilling 3-2 Champions League game, securing them a place in the round of 16.
Going into the game, the competition was tight. The top 8 could have had many different teams, including Chelsea. They needed to win against Napoli and they set out to do just that. Securing their place in the round of 16, Chelsea finished the league stage in 6th place with 5 wins, 1 draw and two losses, which was enough. This match, however, proved to be a far more difficult task than The Blues were anticipating, looking more and more uncertain, their chances of qualifying precarious.
The game itself was even. The attempts on goal were almost evenly matched; 8 to 6 for Napoli, and shots on target being 5 to 4. The most significant thing to look at was the possession, which was evenly matched for the two teams. The flow of the game moved from one team to the other, changing rapidly. Despite all of this, Chelsea swung the game in their favour after a brilliant brace from the quick Joao Pedro in the second half to offer compensation from a disaster of a first half from The Blues.
The first half started off in Chelsea’s favour after securing a penalty due to an unfortunate hand ball situation, despite all the protests from the Napoli players. Enzo Fernandez scored the penalty with ease, putting The Blues in front in the beginning of the first half. However, their lead was only temporary, as Napoli quickly turned the scoreline around. Napoli were not giving up just yet, as a win today could have been the difference between the end of their time in the Champions League and getting into the play-offs. Antonio Vergara slipped past the Chelsea defences and equalised, sending the home fans into cheers. Napoli from the equaliser were particularly relentless, and another goal came from the player loaned from Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund. The young Danish player fired the ball in the back of the net, the keeper unable to stop its smashing force. Going into the break, Napoli were confident and looking for more chances to stay ahead and remain in the fight, and Chelsea looked to the second half to convert the game into a win, which would secure their place in the round of 16. However, Napoli was not going to make that easy for them.
Riding high from the first half, Napoli came out again fighting. Despite their position on the Champions League table, they were still battling, holding onto the prospect of making it through to the next round. Napoli were doing well holding off the onslaught from Chelsea, but after two substitutions - Jamie Gittens and Trevoh Chalobahby - The Blues changed their formation to a back four, which brought instant results. Just mere minutes later, Joao Pedro scored his first of two goals that evening, hammering home a stunning shot into the top side of the goal. From there, Napoli were just fighting to keep a draw, as that result would lead to elimination from the Champions league. They could only last so long though, as The Blues managed to find an opening. Once again, Joao Pedro completed his brace in the 82nd minute of the game, and due to their record so far in the Champions League, Chelsea’s win meant they would sit comfortably 6th in the table. With the win, they advance into the round of 16 without having to go through the play-offs.
Despite many critics doubting the caliber of Chelsea under new management, they are showing strength and resilience. Winning this game gave way to praise from Liam Rosenior’s side and towards him too, putting Chelsea in a good position for the Champions League.
Rosenior spoke to TNT Sports after the game about his tactics and how his team played against the formidable Italian side:
“I thought the character of the players, the resilience in the second half, the reaction to going behind was so positive - all the things I'm asking for.
“Joao Pedro scored some magnificent goals in a magnificent performance from him. He's given that to me since I came to the club. All in all, we're through, and we're delighted.
“I'm learning all the time about my team, what we're capable of, about what I need to tweak and adapt for them but we really wanted to be front-footed today. I wanted to go out and try and win the game, which was so important.
“It's massive for us to really be able to work with the players on the training ground because the schedule has meant we've played, we've recovered, we're prepped for a game and gone again.”
Joao Pedro also spoke to TNT Sports on his goals and how he felt about the game:
“The coach said to be calm, play our game on the pitch. The first half we didn't do it, the second half was open so it's why we scored two goals.
“It's very positive for us. People had a lot of doubts about us. I'm happy. Now it's time to focus on the Premier League."
“You have to enjoy these moments, but we want more. We have some huge games coming up, starting with West Ham on Saturday.
“You're in the Champions League and to win this competition, you have to beat the best. Whoever we play, we'll give it our best shot. I'm just delighted that we're through in this manner.”
Of course, Napoli players and fans alike are disappointed with this early exit. Despite their great form in their own league, they are yet to progress any further in European football, so they will have to wait for their next opportunity. Though disappointing, they were without 7 of their first team players for this particular match, which caused them to struggle, but not nearly as much as was expected from them. While both teams played well, Napoli made things much harder for Chelsea, but ultimately the game went in Chelsea’s favour.
Article written by Naeemah Pathan
