Leicester survived a late assault from Rennes to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, regardless of defeat in northern France on Thursday night time.
The company creaked underneath Rennes’ early strain and let in inside ten minutes at a cool Raozhon Park. Outer Martin Terrier’s harmful low cross was turned in by the person on the alternative flank, Benjamin Bourigeaud, when the entire inferiority was halved early.
Leicester had a gift to equalize after 1 / 4, however Harvey Barne’s effort was denied by a superb suffocating block from midfielder Nayef Aguerd after he was slipped in by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Foxes must have restored their cushion with two objectives simply 4 minutes into the second half, however Daniel Amartey nodded straight on the goalkeeper as he rose unmarked to face a nook on the again put up.
However, Leicester didn’t should wait lengthy to get regular through the night time. From the ensuing nook, the returning Wesley Fofana guided a good nod contained in the far put up by way of a kiss from the woodwork.
A draw gave the impression to be dropping, however out of completely nothing, Rennes weaved collectively a pleasant passing transfer and it was ended by substitute Flavien Tait, whose low blow diverted Amartey.
It inevitably provoked a late assault from the hosts, roared by the partisan viewers. Their golden probability to equalize got here with 5 minutes left at the tip of one other intricate transfer, however Kasper Schmeichel produced an unimaginable level save to disclaim Serhou Guirassy’s first effort.
Baptiste Santamaria fired off one other opening for Rennes as he pulled his shot exterior in stoppage time, and Leicester survived a dramatic handball name from the final kick of the match within the 97th minute. The ball appeared to hit Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s arm, however the absence of VAR saved the foxes.
This is how the Leicester gamers rated it once they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League …
James Justin goes for the ball / DAMIEN MEYER / GettyImages
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – 7/10 – Did not have a lot probability with the purpose. Incredibly late save to disclaim a complete draw.
James Justin (RB) – 5/10 – Strange positioning for the opener, offers the Terrier far an excessive amount of house to cross. Rennes had a variety of enjoyable on the flank after the break.
Daniel Amartey (CB) – 6/10 – Missed a babysitter early within the second half for a person along with his flying capability. Plenty of permits and recycling.
Wesley Fofana (CB) – 7/10 – First match again after an extended damage break. One of the few defenders who gave Bourigeaud an excessive amount of house. Perfect nod to acknowledge – dream return.
Luke Thomas (LB) – 5/10 – A bit careless along with his passing and appeared slightly overwhelmed by the scenario. Some vital situations late.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was on his method to some … sturdy tackles / DAMIEN MEYER / GettyImages
Wilfred Ndidi (DM) – 6/10 – Fitted properly and was profitable in all his duels, however he was pressured off the hour after profitable a crunchy 50/50.
Youri Tielemans (CM) – 5/10 – Looked a bit sluggish. Uncharacteristically unfastened along with his cross and didn’t supply a lot defensively. Lost most of his duels.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM) – 7/10 – His ball-bearing capability got here in useful to ease the strain in the primary half. Brilliant vitality.
Harvey Barnes had a golden alternative to attain / DAMIEN MEYER / GettyImages
Marc Albrighton (RW) – N / A – Forced off early with an damage.
Kelechi Iheanacho (ST) – 6/10 – Produced some superb breakout video games and sometimes acted as extra of a playmaker. Insert a shift.
Harvey Barnes (LW) – 6/10 – Denied a draw by a superb block. Forced to some vital defensive work.
Ademola Lookman (RW) – 6/10 – In early for the affected Albrighton. Perfect nook supply to assist Fofana. Later subbed himself.
James Maddison (AM) – 6/10 – He stored the ball properly and eased the press a bit along with his trick.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB) – 7/10 – Excellent, makes some large defensive interventions.
Ricardo Pereira (RW) – 5/10 – Got issues up, however the protection was usually determined.
