Chelsea’s massive Champions League win against Napoli saw arguably the best performance of the season from one of their summer signings.
Joao Pedro scored twice in the second half to help the Blues complete a 3-2 turnaround victory in Italy, dragging them up to a sixth-placed finish in the group stages.
This has set Chelsea up to face PSG, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag in the Round of 16, skipping the dreaded play-off stage.
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Pedro starred in our player ratings, however he was not the only individual who stepped up in the second half. Cole Palmer produced both assists for the Brazilian after being brought on after 45 minutes.
Napoli v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League
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Joao Pedro says Cole Palmer is a ‘special’ player
The Englishman has clearly been struggling with the effects of a long-standing groin injury, although gave everyone a reminder of his quality in Naples.
Pedro described Palmer after the game as a ‘special’ player, hinting that their performance drastically improved when he entered the fray.
He told TNT Sports: “The second half of the game was more open. Cole [Palmer] is a brilliant player when he is on the pitch – he is a special player.
“It is very positive for us because people have a lot of doubt about us. I think today we showed our power. We need to rest and now focus on the Premier League.”
SSC Napoli v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
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Liam Rosenior managing Palmer well
Liam Rosenior’s impressive start to life as Chelsea manager is even more impressive when taking into account how little Palmer has been available.
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Chelsea’s star man was nowhere to be seen against Crystal Palace at the weekend, although Estevao Willian and Pedro stepped up on this day to secure all three points.
It proved the right decision to protect Palmer for the Napoli game, with him playing a huge part in them getting all three points in the Champions League.
The Blues will now have to wait until March before they are back in European action, when the stakes on each game are far, far higher.
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