Wesley Fofana scored Leicester’s first goal of the day back after breaking his leg to send the Foxes into the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League – although Brendan Rodgers’ side struggled desperately to win 3 on aggregate. -2 after losing 2-1 on the night in Rennes.
21-year-old Fofana was brutally sidelined for pre-season in a friendly against Villarreal but marked his surprise return to the starting XI with a dazzling header from a free-kick. corner (51) – the goal will prove decisive in this impressive, vibrant tie.
When that effort canceled out Benjamin Bourigeaud’s early opener (8), it looked as though Leicester had regained control against an energetic Rennes team, who were just a second behind in Ligue 1 and supported. Incredible support by the home team.
Substitute Flavien Tait, however, scored when he overcame Kasper Schmeichel after a neat save by Serhou Guirassy with 15 minutes remaining.
Leicester were on the ropes in the final stages, with Schmeichel making an unbelievable save to deny Guirassy from three yards, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall somehow diverting a cross out of the money. directs as he prepares to shoot back from close range, and Baptiste Santamaria pierces the post 15 yards wide.
Even with the final turn of the game, Rennes seemed about to be forced into extra time – and was furious when referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos waved his hand in protest after Harvey Barnes headed a free-kick into the wing. Dewsbury-Hall’s hand in the Leicester box.
Then, Rennes’ side players and coaching staff rushed into the field to surround the officials. However, Leicester have done enough.
Leicester lost Marc Albrighton and Wilfred Ndidi to injuries in the competition but were rewarded for their superb fight back with just their second appearance in the quarter-finals in European competition, with a draw. Friday.
What’s next?
The draws for the Europa Conference League quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place after the Champions League matches on Friday, 18 March at 12.30pm UK time, with the balls drawn at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Leicester return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Brentford at the King Power Stadium at 2pm. Rennes received Metz at 2am in Ligue 1 on the same day.
