Chelsea reached the Champions League last 16 with a comeback win at Napoli, driven by Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction. Trailing 2-1 and in danger of missing automatic qualification, Chelsea turned the tie around as Joao Pedro scored twice, with Palmer providing both assists in a decisive 45-minute display in Naples.
Palmer entered at the break with Chelsea behind and immediately changed the rhythm of the contest. Joao Pedro’s first goal came from a long-range strike, while the second followed quick passing between Pedro and Palmer. The midfielder finished the night with a match-high three chances created, despite only featuring for one half.
Chelsea have eased Palmer back after an injury-affected first part of the season, and this match highlighted
why. Rosenior described the performance in simple terms: "Yes, scary good," he said when speaking about Palmer’s impact from the bench after the win in Italy.
Rosenior stressed that several players contributed, not only the playmaker. "I don't like to talk about individuals. I felt [it wasn't] just Cole [who played well] when he came on. I thought Jamie Gittens came on and I asked him to play a left wing-back role, inwhich he was magnificent. Ale Garnacho came on to help the team. Obviously, Joao Pedro is top. Again, so many pleasing individual performances but I think the most pleasing aspect was the collective mentality of the group to have a positive reaction to a difficult first half. "
Rosenior then explained why Palmer did not start, pointing to both conditioning and game strategy. "A bit of both.There was no way that Cole could have started this game and played through to 60, 70, 80 minutes, andI knew Napoli had had a difficult time with injuries. I felt that later in the game we would be stronger and I felt Cole's performance was magnificent. Not just his quality, his pressing, his running for the team. We need to look after him. He's had so many games over a long period of time. We need to look after him and I think the way that he's managed himself in the last two weeks has been magnificent and hopefully we can now see the best of him now that he's fully fit. We need to see him absolutely relish nights like this on a big occasion. "
Opta data underlined Palmer’s influence off the bench. The midfielder became only the second Chelsea player to record two Champions League assists as a substitute. The previous instance came in April 2009, when Nicolas Anelka produced two assists against Liverpool in a quarter-final tie.
2Cole Palmer became the second Chelsea player to assist two UEFA Champions League goals as a substitute, and the first since Nicolas Anelka against Liverpool in April 2009. Impact. #uefachampionsleague pic.twitter.com/4xtxM04H0KOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 28, 2026
Palmer also set a new landmark for combinations within a Champions League match for Chelsea. The playmaker became the first Chelsea player to assist two goals for the same team-mate in the competition since Juan Mata supplied both assists for Didier Drogba against Valencia in 2011.
Joao Pedro’s brace also carried historical weight for Chelsea in the Champions League. The forward delivered Chelsea’s first European double since December 2021, when Timo Werner scored twice against Zenit. That finishing helped turn a difficult away leg into a result that ensured progress from the group.
Key numbers from the match and Chelsea’s Champions League records are shown below.
Joao Pedro described how instructions from the bench shaped the response after the interval. "The coach told us to be positive, to stay calm, Joao Pedro told TNT Sports. In the first half we didnt do it that much. The game was more open in the second half. It's very positivepeople have a lot of doubts about us. Today, we showed our power. "
Chelsea and Champions League path after Napoli win
The win also secured valuable rest days for Chelsea before the knockout phase starts. Chelsea will next face one of Newcastle United, Monaco, Qarabag or holders Paris Saint-Germain, with the draw set to decide whether the side travel or host first in the last 16.
Rosenior reflected on the achievement and the demands of competing at this level. "You have to enjoy this job, Rosenor added.We're the luckiest people in the world to do this job. Very privileged. You have to enjoy these moments, but we want more. You're in the Champions League, so at the end of the day, you have to play against the best and beat the best. I am delighted we are through in this manner. "
Chelsea leave Naples with qualification secured, renewed confidence, and a standout display from Palmer on return from injury. The combination with Joao Pedro delivered key goals, while Rosenior highlighted the broader squad effort and mentality, setting a clear platform for the challenges waiting in the Champions League knockout rounds.
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