We Weathered The Storm, Says Maddision

- James Maddison reflects on Leicester City's 2-1 win at AEK Athens in the UEFA Europa League
- Goals from Jamie Vardy and Hamza Choudhury sealed a second win in Group G at Athens Olympic Stadium
- Maddison was delighted that City were able to stand tall and see out the result amid presser from AEK
- The 23-year-old also reserved praise for Choudhury after his smartly-taken goal proved to be the winner

Jamie Vardy's 18th-minute penalty was followed by a composed Hamza Choudhury finish, on his full European debut, before the 12-time Greek champions improved after the interval. 

Boosted by the introduction of Nélson Oliveira, AEK halved the deficit shortly after the restart, through Muamer Tanković, and the Swede was unfortunate not to level the scores minutes later.

But the Foxes dug deep to register a third consecutive win in all competitions to preserve their spot at the top of Group G ahead of a double-header against S.C Braga, who have also won two in two. 

"It's a really good start to the group," Maddison told LCFC TV. "We said prior to the game last week at home that we wanted to get off to a good start and we did in convincing fashion, a 3-0 win.

"Then we've come away to what is a tough place to come again and, watching the clips on the iPads from the analysts, we knew it was going to be a tough game.

"We started the game very well and that was important. We came out the blocks quite quickly, created a few chances and managed to see the game out, after they had a little rally in the second half.

"It's a convincing start, two from two, it couldn't have gone better. I got fouled a lot today, personally, and a few of the other lads did as well, but that's what happens in Europe.

"You know, sometimes you don't get those fouls where you would in the Premier League and vice versa.

"It's just about getting up and carrying on, still wanting the ball, still showing that bravery to get on the ball, even when you get kicked, and I think we did that. We were excellent in midfield."

Academy graduate Choudhury marked his maiden start in European competition with a goal which, ultimately, proved to be the difference in the Greek capital. 

Maddison, who's corner fell to City's No.20 in the penalty area, was delighted for his team-mate and praised Choudhury's composure to beat Panagiotis Tsintotas in the AEK net.

"Yes, really happy!" he added. "Hamza doesn't get many, but it was a really good finish, though. He stayed really composed in the box on the corner.

"Obviously I put the corner in, but I'm not really sure who got a touch on it... it looked like it took a little nick, hopefully someone didn't see and I got an assist!

"But I'm really happy for Hamza because it was a great finish and he showed real composure in the box to put it away and give us that two-goal cushion."

Following Tanković's 48th-minute effort for the home side, Leicester had to battle for the result and Maddison says their endeavour in the latter stages bodes well for the future. 

"It's very important that we weathered the storm," the England international continued. "Athens are a good team and we knew they'd come out to the second half fighting.

"They made a change at half-time, bringing on another striker and he was a threat, [Nelson] Oliveira. I know him very well, I played with him at Norwich and he changed the game.

"He changed the dynamic of the game by getting the ball played into his feet and getting it wide and they managed a couple of chances.

"But, like I said, it's about weathering the storm in Europe, that's going to happen, there's going to be times where you're out of position and you have to dig in.

"I thought we did that brilliantly after conceding a goal because it's easy to concede a goal and then go and concede another straight after.

"I think, like I said, weathered the storm is the perfect way to put it and then we saw out the game in the latter part, very cleverly. We're really happy with the performance in the second half."