The Foxes managed to grab an away goal in a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla, but the sacking of Claudio Ranieri leaves their Premier League survival on a knife edge.
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri
Many have blamed Leicester’s atrocious league form, at least partly, on the added weight of competing in the Champions League.
In truth, it’s almost certainly been a contributing factor – while they’ve won four out of their seven games in Europe, they’ve only managed to win five in the Premier League all season.
After exiting at the hands of Millwall in the FA Cup, and now the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri so late in the season, there is next to no belief at the King Power Stadium.
However, while they may not have managed a win, and while Ranieri’s departure leaves a cloud over the week, Tuesday’s performance against Sevilla might have instilled a little belief at just the right moment.
With Jamie Vardy scoring for the first time in 758 minutes in all competitions, and Kasper Schmeichel showing some of the form that kept a tight ship in their title win last season, there’s every chance a 1-0 win could send Leicester through – and if they can do that, they could do anything.
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy in action with Sevilla’s Daniel Carrico
Whomever takes over the Foxes in their next game will not be worrying about tired players, especially if the buzz of a quarter final draw brings back some much-needed confidence.
That away goal from Vardy is much more than a consolation – it opens the door to another great escape. Without Ranieri, however, it remains to be seen whether the same spark from last season can be reignited.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
