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Chelsea 4-1 Napoli

Chelsea 4-1 Napoli
© PA Photos
Branislav Ivanovic's extra-time goal puts Chelsea through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Napoli.

Branislav Ivanovic's extra-time goal has earned Chelsea a place in the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Napoli.

A 4-1 win on the night was enough for the Blues to progress 5-4 on aggregate against the Italians.

The visitors threatened from the first whistle as Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik both had shots saved by Petr Cech. The hosts came close again during the opening exchanges when Edinson Cavani's shot found the sidenetting.

Despite being unable to carve out many meaningful openings, Chelsea went ahead after 29 minutes when Didier Drogba headed in Ramires's low cross.

Napoli could have drawn themselves level at half time, but Cavani could only drag his shot wide of the goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead just two minutes after the break when John Terry rose above the opposition defence to nod in from Frank Lampard's corner.

However, the Stamford Bridge crowd was hushed just before the hour as Gokhan Inler lashed in a half-volley to give the Italians a vital away goal.

As the home side pushed for the goal that would at least take the match into extra time, they were awarded a penalty on 75 minutes when Andrea Dossena handled in the area. Lampard made no mistake from 12 yards as he smashed the ball past the goalkeeper.

As both sides surged forward looking for a winner, Chelsea could have had a penalty in the final minute when Drogba appeared to be held by his marker. However, the official behind the goal failed to give the decision.

As the game went into extra time, Chelsea made the decisive breakthrough in the 105th minute as Ivanovic found space in the area before he fired into the roof of the net.

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Jack Prescott
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