Chelsea overcame the odds at Stamford Bridge to progress to the quarter-finals, overcoming a 3-1 first-leg defeat in Naples to go through 5-4 on aggregate after extra-time.
Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard – the men the sacked Andre Villas-Boas seemed so determined to discard – proved just how difficult they would be to replace with a goal each in a thrilling win.
Although Gokhan Inler netted for Napoli at 2-0, Branislav Ivanovic settled the tie before half-time in extra-time on a night every bit as historic as Chelsea captain Terry had predicted.
“For the club, you know, it meant a lot,” said interim boss Di Matteo, who ran on to the pitch to embrace the Chelsea players on the final whistle. “To still be able to play in the Champions League, and also you could see how much it meant to the players.
“I think everybody was very happy and delighted that we managed to stay in the Champions League after putting on such a big performance. I’ve had some great nights, I have to say, but I think it will probably go down in the club’s history.”