Foxes Play Out Draw With Valencia
Debuting the new white away kit, the Blue Army were given an opportunity to see how the Foxes are faring in pre-season, as 21 stars featured on Filbert Way.
After the returning Kasper Schmeichel positioned himself well to hold onto Valencia skipper Daniel Parejo’s low effort, City took the lead in what proved to be a lively start.
Some fine attacking play from James Maddison eventually saw the ball fall to Kelechi Iheanacho, who riffled a first-time shot past Jaume Domènech on 11 minutes.
However, the La Liga outfit responded well and it was Parejo who was on target for his side, as he calmly slotted into the bottom corner eight minutes after Iheanacho’s opener.
First-half efforts from Iheanacho and Nigeria international team-mate Wilfred Ndidi followed, while after the break, Academy youngster Darnell Johnson did brilliantly to meet Maddison’s header, but couldn’t generate enough power to beat substitute goalkeeper Neto.
Johnson popped up again three minutes later and went even closer. Maddison’s shot looped up off Simone Zaza and fell to the defender, who headed onto the top of the net while under pressure.
Manager Claude Puel would then ring the changes after the hour mark, most notably introducing striker Josh Gordon, who forced Neto into an excellent save before the stopper also denied Layton Ndukwu.
Both Nduwku and Gordon both went close shortly after, with the latter again seeing a strike saved, while the former’s 30-yard chip nearly caught the Valencia goalkeeper off guard – the last major action of the game.
Major moment
Iheanacho Opens The Scoring
Watch Kelechi Iheanacho's opening goal against Valencia on Wednesday night.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s 11th-minute strike set the tempo for Leicester City on Wednesday, with the Nigeria international frontman lashing home from close range after good work from James Maddison.
Iheanacho has now scored two goals in his last two pre-season outings and looks in promising form ahead of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
Who impressed?
While James Maddison was a bright spark for City throughout his hour-long display on Filbert Way, his replacement Josh Gordon also impressed after being introduced in the second period.
The former Stafford Rangers forward was unfortunate not to find the back of the net after coming up against a Valencia goalkeeper – Neto – in fine form.
Coming up…
The Foxes’ final fixture of pre-season follows on Saturday as they head to Stade Pierre-Mauroy to take on Lille (5:15pm BST kick-off).