The expectation was that Leicester would put up a relatively good fight, only to fall short at the final hurdle against Manchester City. It was expected to be a lively atmosphere under the King Power Stadium and it certainly lived up to expectations, but in the end, City came away with a penalty shootout win that saw them progress into the semi finals of the competition.
A big start
Both teams were feeling each other out to start things off, although in the first 45 minutes as a whole, the Foxes were somewhat disappointing. Kevin De Bruyne was able to mark his return to full fitness by opening the scoring in the first quarter of an hour, and to be honest, it’s somewhat surprising that they didn’t add to their total.
In the second half, as time went on, it felt like Leicester would continue to grow into the game – and they did. It took a while but Marc Albrighton managed to thunder in an equaliser, setting up a grandstand finish. Even then, though, if City could hold on then they’d have been favoured in the shootout, which is exactly what happened.
The penalty mayhem
When it came to the shootout Harry Maguire registered the first goal, carrying over the form of the England national team. Ilkay Gundogan replied before the penalties on either side began to fall apart, with Fuchs missing before Raheem Sterling’s equally terrible effort ensured things remained level.
Maddison then missed with Gabriel Jesus giving City the lead, before Soyuncu’s poor strike set up the visitors perfectly in what would prove to be the final kick of the game. It was Zinchenko who stepped forward and scored it, sending City into the final four.
Leicester will turn their attention back towards the league this weekend to face Chelsea, as Man City prepare to host Crystal Palace.
Match Report
Leicester: Ward (6.5), Simpson (7), Soyuncu (6), Maguire (7.5), Fuchs (6), Ghezzal (6), Choudhury (6.5), Iborra (6), Ndidi (6.5), Gray (6.5), Iheanacho (6), Maddison (6), Albrighton (7), Ricardo Pereira (6.5)
Manchester City: Muric (6), Walker (6.5), Garcia (7), Otamendi (6.5), Zinchenko (6.5), De Bruyne (7), Stones (6.5), Foden (6), Mahrez (6.5), Aguero (6), Diaz (6), Gundogan (N/A), Jesus (N/A), Sterling (6)
Referee: Lee Mason
Goals: Albrighton :: De Bruyne
Yellow Cards: Gundogan, Foden
Red Cards:N/A
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
