Wesley Fofana scored his first purpose for Leicester on his go back from a damaged leg to ship the Foxes into the Europa Convention League quarter-finals – even if Brendan Rodgers’ facet needed to cling on desperately for a 3-2 mixture victory after shedding 2-1 at the evening at Rennes.
Twenty-one-year-old Fofana used to be cruelly sidelined in pre-season all through a pleasant with Villarreal however marked his marvel go back to the beginning XI with an excellent glancing header from a nook (51) – the purpose which might turn out to be decisive on this dramatic, good tie.
When that effort cancelled out Benjamin Bourigeaud’s early opener (8) it gave the impression Leicester had regained keep an eye on in opposition to an vigorous Rennes facet, who’re only a level off moment in Ligue 1 and who had been roared on via an unbelievable house make stronger.
Then again, change Flavien Tait arrange a grandstand end when he drove previous Kasper Schmeichel after a neat lay-off from Serhou Guirassy with quarter-hour to play.
Leicester had been at the ropes in the ones last phases, with Schmeichel generating a fantastic save to disclaim Guirassy from 3 yards, Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor by some means diverting a move clear of the striker as he used to be about to shoot once more from shut vary, and Baptiste Santamaria drilling simply broad of the put up 15 yards out.
Even with the overall transfer of the fit, Rennes gave the impression getting ready to forcing extra-time – and had been incensed when referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos waved away their penalty appeals after Harvey Barnes headed a free-kick onto Dewsbury-Corridor’s arm within the Leicester field.
Within the aftermath, Rennes’ subs and training team of workers charged onto the pitch to enclose the officers. Then again, Leicester had accomplished sufficient.
Leicester misplaced Marc Albrighton and Wilfred Ndidi to damage all through the competition however are rewarded for his or her good, combating, backs-to-the-wall effort with simply their second-ever quarter-final look at the Ecu degree, with the draw to return on Friday.
Rodgers: Fofana remarkable; an enormous prospect
Wesley Fofana heads in Leicester’s key purpose at Rennes
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers on BT Game: “Our [use of the ball], particularly within the first part, used to be nowhere close to what I might be expecting. However what we confirmed this night used to be actual persona. Particularly with a variety of gamers lacking, and a variety of younger gamers, enjoying at this stage for the primary time, it is persona construction for them.
“Rennes are a excellent facet so getting thru in any case used to be an out of this world feeling. We knew they might make a quick get started and are available after us and so they get the early purpose as smartly however we confirmed a excellent mentality and excellent focus stage.
“Fofana is a fantastic participant. That is what most sensible gamers do. He is simplest been again coaching a couple of weeks however [top players] need to cross and head it, with the choice, that is one thing we now have ignored so much this season, anyone with that mentality and that’s the reason a most sensible participant’s mentality. This type of large prospect. Now we simply want to take a look at to construct his health up. He used to be remarkable at the evening.”
The Rennes supporters created an unbelievable environment throughout the stadium
Rodgers on Leicester’s accidents: “Marc [Albrighton] felt his groin. Ndidi, it used to be a block take on, his medial ligament in his knee, we’re going to see how this is. However it has been us for many of the season. We misplaced a few gamers simply prior to we had been travelling as smartly however the guys confirmed super spirit to get in the course of the tie.”
What is subsequent?
The Europa Convention League quarter-final and semi-final attracts will apply the Champions League ones on Friday, March 18 at 12.30pm UK time, with the balls being drawn out at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Leicester go back to Premier League motion on Sunday after they host Brentford on the King Energy Stadium at 2pm. Rennes host Metz at 2pm in Ligue 1 at the identical day.
