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Leicester City: ‘I told Slimani and Mahrez to do something special’

By Jake Cursley

Leicester City's Italian manager Claudio Ranieri (L) congratulates Leicester City's Algerian striker Islam Slimani as he leaves the pitch during the UEFA Champions League group G football match between Leicester City and Porto at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on Septmeber 27, 2016.Leicester won the match 1-0. / AFP / Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Leicester City's Italian manager Claudio Ranieri (L) congratulates Leicester City's Algerian striker Islam Slimani as he leaves the pitch during the UEFA Champions League group G football match between Leicester City and Porto at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on Septmeber 27, 2016.Leicester won the match 1-0. / AFP / Adrian DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he told his star duo to ‘do something special’ in their Champions League clash.

Leicester City beat FC Porto 1- 0 at the King Power stadium this Tuesday in what was Leicester’s first ever Champions League game at home.

Related Story: Leicester City: ‘Slimani is unbelievable’ says Luis Hernandez

Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri revealed that prior to the clash, he told club record signing Islam Slimani and PFA ‘Player of The Year’ Riyad Mahrez to do something special.

His words were clearly ringing in the duo’s ears as the Algerian pair connected to produce Leicester’s only goal of the game.

Slimani, AKA ‘The Dragon-slayer’ has a fantastic record against Porto which now extends to scoring 6 goals in 4 appearances against the Portuguese side.

Speaking to the media, Ranieri said:

"“I was very confident with Slimani because he often scored against Porto when he was a Sporting player,”"

"“I spoke with Riyad and Islam and said ‘come on guys, make something good tonight’. They made the pass and scored the goal, after that we defended very well.”"

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City receives instructions from manager Claudio Ranieri of Leicester City during the Champions league tie between Leicester City and FC Porto at Leicester City Stadium on September 27 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City receives instructions from manager Claudio Ranieri of Leicester City during the Champions league tie between Leicester City and FC Porto at Leicester City Stadium on September 27 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) /

"“I’m very happy, it was the first match after 132 years. The fans gave us a lot of energy and it was fantastic tonight.”"

"“It was important to win because Porto are a very good team. It was important to score a goal and defend very well.”"

"“I spoke a lot with the players to maintain a clean-sheet and my players tonight were very concentrated, very stong and attentive in every situation. It was good for everybody after the bad defeat in Manchester.”"

Tuesday’s win puts Leicester City on top of Group G after the second round of fixtures.

Porto, who were tipped to top the group as favourites, currently sit in 3rd place with just 1 point after drawing their opening fixture to Copenhagen.

Copenhagen however have had a flying start to their European campaign and now sit in second, 2 points behind Leicester.

Next: Leicester City Transfer Rumors: Foxes Target Juraj Kucka of AC Milan

City’s next Champions League clash is at home to Copenhagen on the 18th of October, a game which could put them 5 points clear at the top and in a fantastic position to progress in the competition.

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