Match Thread Leicester v Sevilla
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NYC Fox
Well-Known Member
A preamble from The Guardian (thought it was worth a share)
Preamble
The players of Leicester City have probably spent most of the day debating whether it would actually be wise to beat Sevilla. Just imagine the moral outrage if those ungrateful so and so’s have the temerity to reach the last eight of the Champions League less than a month after sticking the knife into dear old Claudio, the saintliest saint who ever sainted. No, it just won’t do. The only way for these scoundrels to regain our trust and respect – for what else could possibly be more important – is to do the gentlemanly thing, roll over and let Sevilla whoop them 10-0.
Thing is, though, these professional footballers who have been portrayed as the lowest of the low also happen to be the champions of England. Perhaps, then, we can grudgingly admit that they do have some good qualities. And maybe now everyone’s calmed down, might it be possible for us to acknowledge that while nobody can take away Claudio Ranieri’s achievements last season, the Italian’s magic had worn off long before the time he was handed his P45 (and an enviable severance package)? The truth is that Leicester were going down under Ranieri. It was time for a change. Players who looked lost and confused a month ago have been rejuvenated underRoberto Di Matteo Craig Shakespeare and Leicester have won two games on the bounce since parting company with Ranieri. Stretch that winning streak to three matches here and they could keep their European Cup dream alive. Worth the hassle? Worth the hassle.
Leicester are still up against it, though. Frankly it’s amazing that they’re still in this tie. Sevilla should be turning up at the King Power Stadium with an even more commanding lead than the one PSG took to Barcelona last week (although ... well, y’know). Jorge Sampaoli’s side were painfully superior for much of the first leg and they’ve been excellent in La Liga this season. They’re European experts, having won the past three stagings of the Europa League, and have a 100% record against English opponents in knockout ties. But instead of being out of sight, the team sitting third in La Liga only leads the team sitting 15th in the Premier League 2-1. Sevilla failed to kill the Foxes off in Spain has left them vulnerable and Jamie Vardy’s late away goal has altered the mood means that a 1-0 win will do for Leicester. The odds on them defending well enough to keep a clean sheet are fairly long, of course, but making the impossible possible is what this lot do.
Preamble
The players of Leicester City have probably spent most of the day debating whether it would actually be wise to beat Sevilla. Just imagine the moral outrage if those ungrateful so and so’s have the temerity to reach the last eight of the Champions League less than a month after sticking the knife into dear old Claudio, the saintliest saint who ever sainted. No, it just won’t do. The only way for these scoundrels to regain our trust and respect – for what else could possibly be more important – is to do the gentlemanly thing, roll over and let Sevilla whoop them 10-0.
Thing is, though, these professional footballers who have been portrayed as the lowest of the low also happen to be the champions of England. Perhaps, then, we can grudgingly admit that they do have some good qualities. And maybe now everyone’s calmed down, might it be possible for us to acknowledge that while nobody can take away Claudio Ranieri’s achievements last season, the Italian’s magic had worn off long before the time he was handed his P45 (and an enviable severance package)? The truth is that Leicester were going down under Ranieri. It was time for a change. Players who looked lost and confused a month ago have been rejuvenated under
Leicester are still up against it, though. Frankly it’s amazing that they’re still in this tie. Sevilla should be turning up at the King Power Stadium with an even more commanding lead than the one PSG took to Barcelona last week (although ... well, y’know). Jorge Sampaoli’s side were painfully superior for much of the first leg and they’ve been excellent in La Liga this season. They’re European experts, having won the past three stagings of the Europa League, and have a 100% record against English opponents in knockout ties. But instead of being out of sight, the team sitting third in La Liga only leads the team sitting 15th in the Premier League 2-1. Sevilla failed to kill the Foxes off in Spain has left them vulnerable and Jamie Vardy’s late away goal has altered the mood means that a 1-0 win will do for Leicester. The odds on them defending well enough to keep a clean sheet are fairly long, of course, but making the impossible possible is what this lot do.
camberwell fox
Well-Known Member
Captain Mainwairing.
pork pie fox
Well-Known Member
In some ways, I wish the temperature was about -2, the wind was howling and the rain coming in sideways.
On the other hand, it's a lovely evening, the beer is flowing, we're in the Champions League KO stages and we're watching City play one of Europe's elite teams.
Happy days
On the other hand, it's a lovely evening, the beer is flowing, we're in the Champions League KO stages and we're watching City play one of Europe's elite teams.
Happy days
pork pie fox
Well-Known Member
Warm.
Speedy1
Active Member
I think we could do this, I also think we could get a bit of a twating. Still, as Jimmy Cliff once famously said "The harder they come, the harder they fall" although I don't think he was thinking about a Champions League last 16 2nd leg tie when he uttered those immortal words.
Looking forward to this, counting the seconds now.
Looking forward to this, counting the seconds now.
pork pie fox
Well-Known Member
Looks like a KKK convention in the family stand.
pork pie fox
Well-Known Member
COYCS.
FOX Franks
Well-Known Member
We look a damn site better than we did in the first half of the first leg.
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