Goalless Draw In UECL Quarter-Final First Leg Versus PSV
There were two changes to the side that claimed a point from Old Trafford on Saturday, with Ricardo Pereira and Marc Albrighton coming in for James Justin and Papy Mendy. The Foxes shaped up in a 4-3-3 formation, as did PSV, who had not lost in their last 13 outings across all formats.
Ahead of the match, supporters were able to visit the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha statue on Filbert Way for the first time since its unveiling on Monday 4 April - a day which would have marked his 64th birthday.
Just two minutes into the game, Kasper Schmeichel was called into action to deny Mario Götze from close range. He did enough with his right hand to palm away the attempt. Less than 60 seconds later, Kelechi Iheanacho had his attempt blocked after good work from James Maddison.
Noni Madueke's deflected attempt threatened the Leicester goal again inside five minutes as the visitors enjoyed a bright start on Filbert Way, but the Foxes too looked lively, with Iheanacho having his header blocked after flicking on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's corner. City were growing into it.
On 16 minutes, Dewsbury-Hall whipped in a delightful ball - it just needed a Leicester man to get a touch on it, however fellow Academy graduate Harvey Barnes was unable to connect. At the other end, Jonny Evans intervened to dispossess Eran Zahavi, who couldn't find a way past the Northern Irishman.
Not long after, Iheanacho was through on goal for the Foxes' biggest goalscoring opportunity of the opening 20 minutes. Dewsbury-Hall won it in midfield, releasing the Nigeria striker, however his chipped attempt flew wide in front of the North Stand after goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo committed himself.
Belgium star Youri Tielemans lashed an effort wide of the mark midway through the first period, then Albrighton had a strike blocked after being urged to pull the trigger by the Blue Army. Further chances followed, as Timothy Castagne forced Mvogo into a save. The No.27 drove a left-footed attempt into the ground, and it bounced into the arms of PSV's stopper.
Dewsbury-Hall was performing magnificently in midfield and once again recovered possession before Iheanacho teed up Maddison, who couldn't create the desired power to threaten Mvogo's goal. Then came a huge moment to break the deadlock, with Barnes rattling the crossbar after playing a one-two with Iheanacho. Fofana's block from Zahavi brought to a close 45 minutes of entertaining play.
Into the second half, PSV's strong travelling contingent had appeals for a penalty turned down after Ricardo challenged Cody Gakpo in the box. Their claims were waved away, and play continued. Shortly after, Barnes curled over, as both sides started the second 45 minutes with real intent.
City maintained their probing. Iheanacho was the next to try his luck, although his shot sailed off target, much to Mvogo's delight. A double substitution followed, with Brendan Rodgers introducing Justin and Ademola Lookman in place of Ricardo and Iheanacho.
With just over 10 minutes to play, and a key period of the tie coming up, Zambia frontman Patson Daka was brought on to lead the line for the hosts. Albrighton made way after a big shift on the right wing.
It was Leicester who were enjoying possession of the ball in the closing stages, and looked more likely to find a winner, but PSV remained compact in time added on, and ensured they'd leave the East Midlands with a shutout heading into the second leg.
Major moment
Although Kasper Schmeichel's services were required inside three minutes when he had to deny Mario Götze, the Foxes gained a foothold in the match and created several big opportunities. Kelechi Iheanacho chipped wide, but it was Harvey Barnes who came closest after striking the underside of the crossbar in the first half.
Who impressed?
Speaking on LCFC Radio's Matchday Live, Matt Elliott said: "There were some fair performances tonight. Timothy Castagne was decent, particularly early on in the first half. He's always willing to get forward and he's a good all-round player. Wesley Fofana is just a dream of a centre-half, he's a class operator and what a future and career he's going to have with Leicester. He's one of the few centre-backs you enjoy watching. But for his overall tenacity and willingness to upset the opposition, his assuredness and general involvement in the game, I'm going to go for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall again. For me, he nicks it tonight."
Where do we stand?
The Foxes will head to the Netherlands level on aggregate with PSV Eindhoven in a bid to reach the semi-finals of European competition for the first time in their history.
Coming up...
Crystal Palace are the visitors to King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday (2pm kick-off), while the second leg against PSV Eindhoven follows four days later at Philips Stadion (5:45pm kick-off).
All time BST.