Leicester City made history as they qualified to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League 2016-17, with a narrow 2-1 victory over Belgian team Club Brugge on Tuesday night.
First half goals from Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez assured the Foxes’ passage to the Round-of-16 with their four wins in five CL fixtures.
We take a look at how the Leicester players fared on a historical night at the King Power stadium:
Ron-Robert Zieler – 6
Made a couple of important clearances, but should have made a better effort at keeping Izquierdo’s strike out in the 52nd minute.
Christian Fuchs – 8
Had a great game at left-back. Was solid in defence, until being beaten by Izquierdo for the goal. Made marauding runs forward on the left-side and capped the performance with a delightful cross for Okazaki for the first goal.
Robert Huth – 7
Solid at the back as he never let Jelle Vossen out of his sight as he won the battle against the striker with ease, using his physical presence.
Wes Morgan – 7
Captain leading by example as he put in a great shift at the centre of the defence. Swept up everything through the middle of the park and was brilliant under pressure in the final stages of the game.
Danny Simpson – 6
Another solid performer at the back for the Foxes, as the right-back did not afford space to Izquierdo down the flank, forcing him to cut inside. Always willing to make forward runs and contribute in the attack.
Marc Albrighton – 6
Energetic down the left-flank as he made forward runs constantly, while at the same time; did not shy away from his defensive duties. One of his runs earned his side the penalty that Mahrez bundled home.
Andy King – 6
He was up for the fight as he went head on into the battles against the Brugge midfielders, and came out on top more often than not. But his effect wore off as the game progressed.
Danny Drinkwater – 7
His complete range of passing was on display as the English midfielder controlled the game from the midfield.
Riyad Mahrez – 8
Was a constant threat to the Belgian side with the ball at his feet as he made several dangerous runs at the Brugge defence. Was composed from the penalty spot in the first-half giving his side a 2-0 lead.
Shinji Okazaki – 7
Another dogged performance filled with smart and energetic running by the Japanese forward. Was at hand to finish for Leicester early in the first half. Could have had another goal against his name but missed the chance.
Jamie Vardy – 5
Struggled to have an impact, but his running did help create spaces for his teammates to run into.
Substitutes
Daniel Amartey – 6
Offered a good cover to his defence, especially with the visitors piling the pressure on late in the game.
Demarai Gray – 5
Missed two decent chances to put the game to bed after coming on for Shinji Okazaki in the 68th minute.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 6
Came on for Mahrez in the second half and offered a good outlet, as Leicester deployed time-wasting tactics. He too was guilty of missing a chance to put the result beyond doubt for the home team.