Leicester secure spot in Champions League last-16

Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester have booked their spot in the Champions League last-16 with a 2-1 win over Club Brugge at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes needed just a point to advance from Group G but they did it in style by claiming three and ensuring they reach the next round with a match to spare.

A Shinji Okazaki goal and a Riyad Mahrez penalty put the Foxes ahead at half-time and coasting towards the knock-out stages.

However, a Jose Izquierdo strike shortly after the break pulled the Belgian side back into the tie. Despite some nervous moments in the remainder of the clash Ranieri’s charges hung on for three points and a lucrative spot in the next round.

Leicester made just one change for the European clash with Andy King coming into midfield in place of Daniel Amartey.

And the Foxes claimed a dream start to the tie as they went in front just five minutes in. A Marc Albrighton clearance found Jamie Vardy on the left-hand side, who released Christian Fuchs on a scampering run. Holding off his marker, Fuchs crossed perfectly for Okazaki to finish home past Ludovic Butelle.

Brugge attempted to hit back with Hans Vanaken crossing from the left for Izquierdo but keeper Ron-Robert Zieler came out strongly to claim and end the danger.

It could have been two for Okazaki when he got on the end of a cross and hammered at goal, only this time Butelle was a match for him.

Leicester did double their advantage on the half hour. Albrighton was fouled by Dion Cools in the box and Mahrez slammed the spot kick past Butelle in goal for 2-0, and Mahrez’s fourth in five Champions League games.

Brugge were fighting to pull themselves back into the tie and very nearly got their opener through Izquierdo; he curled a superb effort at goal which Zieler managed to claw away with a diving save.

The Belgian visitors did draw level seven minutes after the break as Izquierdo made a run into the area and fired a smashing shot past Zieler from a tricky angle.

Vardy - still looking for his first Champions League goal - had the ball in the back of the net shortly afterwards, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a neat little flick home from a Fuchs cross.

The scores could have been level just after the hour as sub Anthony Limbombe was played in by Claudemir for a great opportunity only to fire wide.

With the game ebbing and flowing the Foxes had an excellent chance to push two goals ahead again. Jeffrey Schlupp stole possession in midfield before breaking in on goal only to smash at Butelle when he had two passing options either side. Brugge themselves had a further chance as Limbombe whipped in a cross for Jelle Vossen only for captain Wes Morgan to clear as Leicester held out for three points to secure their passage to the last-16 on another famous night for the Premier League champions.

Photo (©Getty Images/Richard Heathcote)

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