The two catalysts for Leicester’s Europa League progress

After a fairly disastrous defensive performance, which included falling behind three times, Brendan Rodgers named Leicester City’s two Europa League saviours vs. Braga.

Lazy, sloppy and amateurish defending was the order of the night as Braga kept going ahead of Leicester City. It was a very significant match for the Foxes – and Braga, who deserve second place in Europa League Group G – because a win would dee them through to the Knockout rounds.

In fact, a draw was also enough as AEK Athens were surprisingly thrashed 3-0 at home in Greece by Zorya Luhansk.

Braga were in front three times in the game yet Leicester managed to pull back level on each occasion; Harvey Barnes finally finished well again since going through an awful patch with regard to goals scored. Then Luke Thomas became the east Midlands side’s youngest ever goalscorer in a European tournament.

Following this, who else but Jamie Vardy to secure progression and get himself onto the scoresheet, as James Maddison helped create two after coming on as a substitute.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers happy with cameo duo

When the final whistle was blown and everything had died down a little, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers gave his thoughts on the evening’s events:

"“We wanted Youri [Tielemans] to be the controller. He dictated the tempo of the game.“In the second half we were excellent in our football and he and James [Maddison] were the catalysts for that. It was a much better second half and it was an exciting game.”Via Leicestershire Live"

Before the clash with the Portuguese, Rodgers was asked for his feelings about footballing great Diego Maradona’s death. To which, the Northern Irishman said it was a great shock to hear as they were preparing to travel. Rodgers correctly suggested the outpouring of emotion would be massive; subsequently the boss confirmed the Argentinian was his idol growing up.