Leicester win convincingly in their first Champions League match.

The reigning Premier League champions beat hosts Club Brugge 3-0 to take the lead in Group G on September 14th.

Leicester City's Champions League debut was against Club Brugge. Despite their lack of experience, Claudio Ranieri's side still managed to shine, securing a convincing 3-0 victory and setting a new milestone in the club's history. The hero for the Foxes was midfielder Riyad Mahrez with a brace from free kicks. Alongside him was Marc Albrighton, who scored the opening goal in the fifth minute to give the Premier League champions a comfortable lead.

Mahrez scored a brace, helping Leicester City secure a resounding victory in their opening Champions League match. Photo: Reuters

Luck was on Leicester City's side in their Champions League debut. Just three minutes into the match, the Premier League champions' goal was under threat when Izquierdo broke through to face goalkeeper Schmeichel. However, despite the favorable opportunity, the Club Brugge striker shot wide. On the touchline, manager Michel Preud'Homme couldn't understand what had happened to his player in that shot, and complained loudly to his assistants.

And just two minutes later, Leicester City opened the scoring. Following a powerful throw-in, resembling a corner kick, the Club Brugge defender and goalkeeper miscommunicationed each other, leaving the ball at Albrighton's feet. He easily finished into the empty net, making history as the first Leicester City player to score in the Champions League.

After scoring the opening goal, Leicester City proactively dropped back, playing a defensive counter-attacking style, a tactic that had helped them surprisingly win the Premier League title last season. Although they had less possession, Claudio Ranieri's team controlled the game, blocking access to Schmeichel's goal and occasionally launching high-speed counter-attacks.

This strategy proved a resounding success as Leicester City scored two goals in the first half. In the 32nd minute, the home team's 39-year-old veteran Simons, slow to react, fouled Vardy just outside the penalty area. Mahrez, the midfielder Leicester City spent so much effort to retain during the recent transfer window, immediately scored a spectacular goal with a free kick that went over the wall and into the far corner of the net, leaving the home team's goalkeeper, despite his best efforts, unable to save it.

Vardy won two free kicks that led to goals. Photo: Reuters

Vardy wasn't on the scoresheet, but his contribution to Leicester City's victory was significant, winning two free kicks that led to goals. In the 60th minute, the English striker's speed came into play again when he forced goalkeeper Butelle to commit a foul in the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Mahrez made no mistake, sealing the 3-0 victory.

With victory seemingly assured, manager Claudio Ranieri successively substituted Slimani, Vardy, and Mahrez to conserve his players' energy. Without their key attacking players, the reigning English champions failed to score any more goals, despite creating several more chances in the remaining time. However, the 3-0 victory in Belgium was enough for Leicester City to secure top spot in Group G, as the other match between Porto and Copenhagen ended in a 1-1 draw.

Manager Claudio Ranieri hopes the historic Champions League victory will be a morale boost for Leicester City to regain their form in the Premier League. The reigning champions have dropped to 16th place with only four points after four rounds of matches.

According to VNE