The past month has been nothing short of remarkable and astonishing for Leicester City. Considering their miraculous Premier League title last season, the fact that the Foxes continue to surprise should perhaps not come as a shock at all.
How Leicester City can keep Their Champions League Dreams Alive
The dismissal of manager Claudio Ranieri in February was never going to be an easy transition, and brought about severe tensions at the King Power Stadium. Caretaker boss Craig Shakespeare was handed quite a task, with Leicester on the brink of UEFA Champions League elimination and facing Premier League relegation domestically.
However, the Foxes have responded fantastically to the unique and special challenges that the 2016-17 campaign has thrown at them.
The Premier League title-holders have won four consecutive matches across all competitions, creating space between themselves and the relegation places. Their victories have come much in the same manner in which they did last season, with counter-attacking play producing goals in critical moments. Their formula looks sharp once more, when it seemed as though Leicester’s run at the top was crashing in a major way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSLhHJF6GAQ
In Europe, their form has encouraged even more excitement. Down 2-1 from the first leg, Leicester earned a 2-0 victory against Sevilla to advance to the Champions League quarter-final stage.
They meet another La Liga power in April, this time Atletico Madrid and manager Diego Simeone.
Similarities
The pairing of Leicester and Atletico Madrid makes for an interesting encounter, as several qualities exist between both sides. While not as far down their league table as the Foxes find themselves, the current term has not gone according to plan for Simeone’s side.
Sitting in fourth place, Atletico are ten points behind La Liga leaders and city rivals Real Madrid. Both clubs understand the tremendous opportunity that is in front of them to reach the semi-final stage of the Champions League, as inspired and motivated squads should make for a fascinating clash.
Both Leicester and Atletico are at their best absorbing pressure, and striking on the counter-attack. Strong defensive work and the exploits of talented forwards in the line-up drive each towards success.
Stellar goalkeeping
One of the keys to victory for the Foxes will be at the back, as Craig Shakespeare will be counting on more excellence from goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The 30-year-old saved two penalties against Sevilla in their Round of 16 series and was critical to Leicester’s passage into the next round.
Schmeichel stopped Joaquin Correa’s effort from the spot in the first leg, and was able to do the same to Steven N’Zonzi at home in the deciding match.
The Danish international has recorded 74 saves and earned four clean sheets during an overall disappointing Premier League campaign for Leicester, but his strong European play can keep the club’s title dreams alive against the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro.
Match intense and physical play from Los Rojiblancos
Atletico Madrid have found positive results during recent years with a physical approach that can often keep their opposition from imposing their will. Even against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s disciplined and tough squad can stifle the best of attacks.
The back-line with Diego Godin and Felipe Luis, along with midfielders Gabi and Koke, make moving the ball forward a painful exhibition. Yannick Carrasco’s pace out wide can open up opportunities for their talented strikers.
Leicester will need to mirror this intensity and be prepared to create space. Danny Drinkwater’s performances will be important, both in winning possession and pushing into the opposing half of the pitch. Creativity will be required from Riyad Mahrez to break down a defence as organised as Atletico.
Finally, an in-form Jamie Vardy will need to bring quality at the top of the line-up and find important goals in what will likely be a difficult situation for both attacks. The season after their Premier League triumph was always going to be difficult to live up to, but Leicester City may still have some magic left in the UEFA Champions League.
Main Photo:
