- Leicester City’s 1-0 win over Copenhagen extends their 100 per cent record in the UEFA Champions League
- The Foxes have won all three of their Group G fixtures without conceding a goal
- Riyad Mahrez’s first half strike was the difference as Copenhagen were restricted to few chances
- Claudio Ranieri says the team’s Champions League destiny is now in their own hands
Claudio Ranieri praised his incredible Leicester City side after another UEFA Champions League victory saw them take a giant stride towards the knockout stages.
Riyad Mahrez’s 40th minute strike gave the Foxes a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at Leicester City Stadium to maintain a remarkable 100 percent record after three matches.
Ranieri’s men were organised and committed as they took the lead and restricted the visitors to just a handful of chances – ending their 23-game unbeaten run in the process.
That three points keeps the Foxes top of Group G with a total of nine – a healthy five clear of both Copenhagen and Porto in second and third respectively.
For Ranieri, it was a deserved victory against a tough opponent, but one that came courtesy of a performance that highlighted the Foxes’ ‘special qualities’ in front of a vibrant crowd.
“[It was] A very tough match,” said Ranieri. “I was expecting this type of match. Copenhagen are a very good team. They are strong, tall and very dangerous in the air.
“It was good, a good performance. Totally different from our last Premier League match. That is normal when a team plays in the Champions League for the first time.
“I’m very proud. From one side I’m very proud but when I think of the Premier League I’m very, very hungry.
“When you play in a big competition you lose something when you go back to your league. That is normal but we want to change it. It’s just psychological because when we play in the Champions League our special qualities switch on.
“We are smart and focused in every situation. The Premier League is our priority. Of course also the Champions League because now in one month we are in or out. We are in a good position. Our destiny is in our own hands. We want to continue in this way."
Mahrez’s strike came after Jamie Vardy found Islam Slimani at the far post. The striker’s knock down found the run of his international team-mate Mahrez, who expertly flicked the ball beyond Robin Olsen for the winner.
The visitors enjoyed much of the possession, but it was all part of City’s gameplan – a plan which worked well on the day.
Ranieri added: “We started the match to try to put the long ball behind their defenders. When you play a narrow team it’s difficult to play through the lines.
“In the beginning we put a high ball in behind. It was so strong, I just wanted a little lob. I said when it’s possible to play, it’s important to spread them out because they are very good when they are compact.
“We have to stay calm and change our mentality and focus for the Premier League. We have Crystal Palace next – a very tough match.”
- The Foxes have won all three of their Group G fixtures without conceding a goal
- Riyad Mahrez’s first half strike was the difference as Copenhagen were restricted to few chances
- Claudio Ranieri says the team’s Champions League destiny is now in their own hands
Claudio Ranieri praised his incredible Leicester City side after another UEFA Champions League victory saw them take a giant stride towards the knockout stages.
Riyad Mahrez’s 40th minute strike gave the Foxes a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen at Leicester City Stadium to maintain a remarkable 100 percent record after three matches.
Ranieri’s men were organised and committed as they took the lead and restricted the visitors to just a handful of chances – ending their 23-game unbeaten run in the process.
That three points keeps the Foxes top of Group G with a total of nine – a healthy five clear of both Copenhagen and Porto in second and third respectively.
For Ranieri, it was a deserved victory against a tough opponent, but one that came courtesy of a performance that highlighted the Foxes’ ‘special qualities’ in front of a vibrant crowd.
“[It was] A very tough match,” said Ranieri. “I was expecting this type of match. Copenhagen are a very good team. They are strong, tall and very dangerous in the air.
“It was good, a good performance. Totally different from our last Premier League match. That is normal when a team plays in the Champions League for the first time.
“I’m very proud. From one side I’m very proud but when I think of the Premier League I’m very, very hungry.
“When you play in a big competition you lose something when you go back to your league. That is normal but we want to change it. It’s just psychological because when we play in the Champions League our special qualities switch on.
“We are smart and focused in every situation. The Premier League is our priority. Of course also the Champions League because now in one month we are in or out. We are in a good position. Our destiny is in our own hands. We want to continue in this way."
Mahrez’s strike came after Jamie Vardy found Islam Slimani at the far post. The striker’s knock down found the run of his international team-mate Mahrez, who expertly flicked the ball beyond Robin Olsen for the winner.
The visitors enjoyed much of the possession, but it was all part of City’s gameplan – a plan which worked well on the day.
Ranieri added: “We started the match to try to put the long ball behind their defenders. When you play a narrow team it’s difficult to play through the lines.
“In the beginning we put a high ball in behind. It was so strong, I just wanted a little lob. I said when it’s possible to play, it’s important to spread them out because they are very good when they are compact.
“We have to stay calm and change our mentality and focus for the Premier League. We have Crystal Palace next – a very tough match.”