Noni Madueke earned huge praise for his perfomance as Chelsea controlled the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden. The Blues left Stockholm with an impressive 4-1 scoreline on May 1, and look like strong favorites for the trophy.
They outplayed their opponents with goals from Jadon Sancho and Madueke, while substitute Nicolas Jackson popped a brace. Playing the first 45 minutes, Madueke opened the scoring with a calm left-footed finish after Enzo Fernández’s pass.
He was hailed for his directness and strength by ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy, who described the winger’s goal:
“All of a sudden, Noni Madueke appears from nowhere, left foot, and guides it towards that near post. Just slots it home comfortably. The goalkeeper has got no chance. Lovely finish, nice and composed.
“That’s the second goal we deserve. He’s played well, Noni. He’s had a big involvement in this game. He’s looked threatening.”
Cundy later emphasized Madueke’s strength, pace, and ability to keep the ball, adding:
“He’s threatened on that right-hand side. He’s direct. The one thing I love about Noni is he’s direct, and he’ll take you on. He’s quick. He’s strong. He’s a physical presence. When he goes past you, he stays past you.”
In the second half, it was the Jackson show. The Senegal international scored two more to put the game beyond the reach of the hosts after taking advantage of defensive mistakes. Their commanding performance has given them the advantage leading into the away leg at Stamford Bridge.
How Much Chelsea Will Earn if They Win Conference League
Chelsea are poised to gain a significant financial advantage in the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League. After winning all six of their league phase matches, the Blues have already secured approximately €7 million for reaching the semi-finals. If they beat Djurgarden in the semi-final, they will face either Fiorentina or Real Betis in the final on May 8.
A victory in that final would further increase Chelsea’s income to almost €14 million. The Blues have now established themselves as very serious contenders for the title after their stellar run, which included a brilliant 4-1 win yesterday. Beyond the financial aspect, winning the Conference League also gives them a ticket to the UEFA Europa League in the 2025/26 season.
