Leicester City reached the last 16 of the Champions League and put in an encouraging first half display in the process as they saw off Club Brugge 2-1. The Foxes looked far nervier in the second half but held on to secure a fourth win in Europe -- one more than in the Premier League thus far.
Positives
Shinji Okazaki got his first Champions League goal while Riyad Mahrez scored again from the penalty spot. Christian Fuchs and Marc Albrighton both shone, too. Their often unsung partnership down the left gave the Foxes vital balance. Leicester can now afford to rest players for the away trip to Porto in the final round of group stage games.
Negatives
The Foxes shut up shop in the second half and allowed Brugge back into the game. They also conceded their first Champions League goal. Unlike the 3-0 away victory on match day one, Leicester failed to kill off the game and against a better side, like Middlesbrough this Saturday in the Premier League, could find themselves punished.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Claudio Ranieri picked a tried and tested XI with all 10 outfield players boasting Premier League winners' medals from last season. In doing so, the Italian got a typical Leicester performance far more in keeping with last campaign -- especially in the opening 30 minutes when the Foxes raced into a two-goal lead. Keeping faith with "bit-part" players like Okazaki, Albrighton and King could be the key to turning City's Premier League fortunes around.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ron-Robert Zieler, 7 -- Solid though rarely tested. Nothing the German could have done about Jose Izquierido's sensational strike despite being beaten at his near post.
DF Danny Simpson, 7 -- Had very little to do so will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet.
DF Robert Huth, 7 -- A typically bullish performance by the no-nonsense German. Showed vital leadership at the back to ensure City hung on for maximum points.
DF Wes Morgan, 7 -- Had to deal with 11 corners and a second-half onslaught. Very steady which is reassuring after a few shaky displays.
DF Christian Fuchs, 8 -- Showed excellent strength and endeavor down the left as he laid on the assist for Okazaki's opener.
MF Riyad Mahrez, 7 -- Has well and truly banished his penalty woes after scoring a second spot kick in the space of a week. Looked lively in open play, too, twisting and turning in the box and almost beating Ludovic Butelle at his near post.
MF Danny Drinkwater, 8 -- Caused all kinds of problems in central midfield and was first to every loose ball, too.
MF Andy King, 7 -- Restored to the starting XI and didn't put a foot wrong. Will surely start against Middlesbrough this weekend as well.
MF Marc Albrighton, 8 -- Won the penalty leading to Mahrez's second goal and generally made a nuisance of himself. When his delivery is on song, Leicester tend to win games.
FW, Shinji Okazaki, 8 -- Scored a superb opening goal with a well-timed strike and looked sharp and hungry all night. Even when Islam Slimani is fit again, the Japan forward is still pushing for a start since he compliments Mahrez and Jamie Vardy so well. His selflessness and defensive qualities allow the pair to flourish.
FW Jamie Vardy, 6 -- Still can't get that much needed goal or even create a clear cut chance. Will be disappointed Jeffrey Schlupp went for goal instead of playing him in late on.
Substitutes:
MF Demarai Gray, 6 -- Should have scored a third from close range but lacked composure. Butelle did stand tall but the Foxes winger rather lashed at the ball.
MF Jeffrey Schlupp, 6 -- Caused problems with his pace and directness and had one low shot that was comfortably saved. A shot pass to Vardy, though, may have been a better option.
MF Daniel Amartey, NR -- Got just over 10 minutes and his fresh legs helped City see the game out.