Full Time: Leicester City 1-1 Atletico Madid
Leicester City’s dream run in the Champions League came to an end on Tuesday night, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes started the game positively and looked up for the challenge and just when they were looking threatening, Atletico struck in the 26th minute through Saul Niguez with a fine headed effort. The visitors went into the half-time break with a two-goal advantage on aggregate.
Manager Craig Shakespeare rung in the changes at half-time and striker Jamie Vardy put his team back on level terms, but could not force a stunning comeback. Atletico progressed to the semi-finals thanks to an aggregate scoreline of 2-1 at the end of the two legs, but Leicester put up a brave effort only to end up short.
Here is how the Leicester players fared on the night:
Leicester City Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
Was well beaten by Saul’s header at the far post. Had hardly anything to do, but remained assertive between the posts and commanding against high balls.
Danny Simpson – 6/10
Was given a hard time by the brilliant Yannick-Ferreira Carrasco, but remained solid at the back. Wasn’t involved much in attack, but did well to push hard in the later stages with Leicester going all out.
Wes Morgan – 7/10
Returned to the line-up after missing six games due to injury and put in a captain’s performance at the back. Resilient as always, made a number of crucial challenges and interceptions, used his physicality well. Taken off due to a hamstring problem.
Yohan Benalouane – 6/10
Has done well after coming into the team in recent weeks and was steady once again, despite one or two nervy moments. Taken off at half-time as Shakespeare made a tactical switch.
Christian Fuchs – 6/10
Pushed up the pitch well in the first-half as he tried to link up with Marc Albrighton. Moved into a central role in the second period. Could have done better to pressure Saul for the goal.
Riyad Mahrez – 6/10
Looked a threat when he ran at the Atletico defence. Grew into the game after given a free role in the second period, making mazy runs. But the final ball was lacking.
Danny Drinkwater – 6/10
Never really got into the game, but ran hard and stuck to his task. Always made himself available for the ball, but his influence was minimal going forward.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Excellent in breaking up play, assured distribution and showing the knack to be at the right place at the right time, Leicester have unearthed a new gem.
Marc Albrighton – 6/10
Lost Saul for the opener. But was a lively customer when attacking, as he sent in several testing deliveries into the box.
Shinji Okazaki – 6/10
Usual tireless running and industry from the Japanese forward, but couldn’t influence the proceedings. Taken off at half-time with Shakespeare opting for height and physicality up top.
Jamie Vardy – 8/10
Chased every single ball, pressed the opponents relentlessly. Gave the centre-back pairing to Stefan Savic and Diego Godin plenty to ponder about. Took his chance with a typically poacher’s finish.
Substitutes
Leonardo Ulloa – 6/10
Came on for Okazaki at half-time. Gave the Leicester attack a focal point and saw an effort blocked by Lucas Hernandez. Helped out in defending set pieces.
Ben Chilwell – 7/10
Replaced Benalouane at half-time. Wasn’t overawed by the situation and impressed in his wing-back role on the left-flank with several marauding runs. His blocked shot led to Vardy’s goal.
Daniel Amartey – NA
Replaced the injured Morgan in the 84th minute.