Leicester City saw their losing streak extend to another game as Sevilla downed the beleaguered Premier League champions 2-1 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Jamie Vardy grabbed an all-important away goal which gives the Foxes some hope ahead of the return leg at the King Power stadium.
Pablo Sarabia and Joaquin Correa put the Europa League holders in a commanding 2-0 lead at the hour mark, albeit the latter was guilty of missing a penalty early in the first half. The hosts were cruising to a comprehensive first-leg success but had their deficit halved when Vardy latched on to Drinkwater’s cross to take a vital away goal back to Leicester.
There’s still all to play for in the return leg. Here are the major talking points from the game.
#1 No turning point for Leicester City
Ahead of kick-off, Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri spoke of a “turning point” which could lead to a change of fortunes for the reigning Premier League champions. A win here could be a huge boost for his team, he implied, but a 2-1 loss instead suggests that the turning point is still far away for the Foxes.
With the Premier League euphoria quickly turning into a nightmare, the defending champions looked to cast their mind away from relegation fears for once. However, their putrid form of 2017, which had them lose six times since the turn of the year, continued.
Perhaps the only positive for the visitors was the away goal by Vardy which keeps their chances of progressing alive.
#2 Sevilla demonstrate their European pedigree
Champions of the Europa League in the last three years, Sevilla took the next step in their European quest when they qualified for the last 16 this season, and put up a sterling performance.
Set up in an unconventional formation, Jorge Sampaoli once again proved his tactical masterclass as it allowed the player to interchange their positions whilst still performing to their optimal. While the poor form of the Foxes made their task easier, Sevilla’s superiority isn’t to be denied as they held dominion over the visitors for much of the game, as they did against some top shouts of Europe this season.
The tie may not be in the bag yet, but Sevilla go to England next month with a slender yet crucial lead.
#3 Vardy gets on the scoresheet
Last season when Leicester City romped to a fairytale triumph, Jamie Vardy was at the heart of the things with an impressive 25 goal haul. This season, though, the rich vein of form has completely deserted him as the England international has struck only 6 times till now.
With Danny Drinkwater racing clear through on, the midfielder laid an inch-perfect pass to the onrushing Vardy, who tapped the ball home for his first ever Champions League goal.
The goal was reminiscent of his poacher self of the previous campaign, and proved that given service, he can be still a threat.
#4 Correa atones for his howler with a fine finish
The 22-year-old Sevilla midfielder wasted a brilliant chance in the first half when he poorly struck a penalty, but made up for his mistake with an equally fine finish in the second period that put the hosts 2-0 up.
Completely unmarked on the left flank, Steven Jovetic nudged the ball to Correa, who struck it high up in the net to double Sevilla’s lead, and also give himself some respite after the penalty howler.
It was his fifth goal of the season in all competitions, but also the most important one by far.
#5 Schmeichel steps up to the plate
Leicester City may be struggling in the Premier League, but their European season has been impressive. Not only did they win four games in the group stages, but also kept a clean sheet in each one of them, courtesy Kasper Schmeichel’s heroics between the sticks.
The Danish shot-stopper stepped up the plate once again as he put up another confident show and was one of the few bright lights for the visitors.
In the 14th minute, Schmeichel held his nerves to deny Joaquin Correa from 12 yards, but was helpless in the other two occasions when Sevilla scored. Regardless, he produced another stunning save midway through the tie when he stretched out to thwart Sergio Escudero, flashing the goalkeeping brilliance once exhibited by his father Peter Schmeichel.
