Leicester win big in first match in Champions League

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

Leicester City's first Champions League match was away to Club Brugge. Despite their lack of experience, Claudio Ranieri's team still knew how to shine, winning convincingly 3-0, creating a new milestone in the club's history. The hero of the "Foxes" was midfielder Riyad Mahrez with a double from the free kick. Besides that, Marc Albrighton, the player who scored the opening goal in the fifth minute, helped the Premier League champions easily gain control of the game.

Mahrez scored twice to help Leicester City win their opening match in the Champions League. Photo: Reuters

Luck was on Leicester City's side in their Champions League debut. In the third minute, the Premier League champions' goal was in danger when Izquierdo broke free to face goalkeeper Schmeichel. But in such a favorable situation, the Club Brugge striker shot wide. On the sidelines, coach Michel Preud'Homme did not understand what happened to his student in this finishing move, turning to complain a lot to his assistants.

And just two minutes later, Leicester City opened the scoring. After a powerful throw-in like a corner kick from the Premier League club, the defender and the Club Brugge goalkeeper did not coordinate well, eliminating each other, the ball fell to Albrighton and he easily finished into an empty net to make history as the first Leicester City player to score in the Champions League.

After the opening goal, Leicester City took the initiative to retreat and play defensive counter-attacking football, the style of play that helped them unexpectedly win the Premier League last season. Although they had less possession of the ball, coach Claudio Ranieri's team took the initiative in terms of the game, they blocked the way into Schmeichel's goal and occasionally launched high-speed counter-attacks.

This strategy was a complete success when Leicester City scored their second goal in the first half. In the 32nd minute, the 39-year-old veteran Simons of the home team was slow and fouled Vardy right on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder that Leicester City had spent a lot of effort to keep in the last transfer window - Mahrez immediately scored a masterpiece with a free kick that sent the ball over the wall and into the far corner of the goal, leaving the home team's goalkeeper, despite diving as far as he could, unable to save the goal.

Vardy brought two free kicks leading to goals. Photo: Reuters

Vardy was not on the scoresheet, but his contribution to Leicester City's victory was significant, as he brought home 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 foul him in the penalty area. Mahrez made no mistake from the penalty spot, sealing the 3-0 win.

With victory in hand, coach Claudio Ranieri withdrew Slimani, Vardy and Mahrez to preserve his squad. Without their key players in attack, the reigning English champions failed to score any more goals, although they created many more chances in the remaining time. However, the 3-0 victory in Belgium was enough for Leicester City to take the top spot in Group G, as the match between Porto and Copenhagen ended in a 1-1 draw.

Manager Claudio Ranieri hopes a historic win in the Champions League will be a morale boost for Leicester City to regain their form in the Premier League. The defending champions have slipped to 16th place with just four points after four rounds.

According to VNE