Club Brugge vs. Leicester City: Score, Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match
Leicester City defeated Club Brugge 3-0 in Group G of the UEFA Champions League at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium on Wednesday.
Marc Albrighton scored in the fifth minute for the Foxes, giving the Premier League champions the perfect start. Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead with a sumptuous free-kick that found the top corner. The Algerian grabbed his brace as he converted a penalty kick that the irrepressible Jamie Vardy had won.
The match was Leicester's debut in Europe's biggest club competition, and they did not look out of place as they deconstructed a poor side.
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Brugge's defence were constantly overrun as the Foxes attacked and scored at will.
Recent Ajax recruits Stefano Denswil and Ricardo van Rhijn featured for the hosts as Tomas Pina patrolled the midfield after his switch from Villarreal. The stadium was far from full, as the Belgian fans surprisingly stayed away in droves.
Danny Simpson missed out for Leicester because of a hamstring injury as Luis Hernandez featured at right-back. There was a starting berth for new striker Islam Slimani, who partnered with Vardy in attack.
The Foxes were out of the traps fastest as Albrighton snatched a goal in the opening moments of the game. The winger made a darting run into the penalty area and took advantage of Brugge's terrible defending to open his side's account.
BT Sport Football shared the magic moment for the east Midlands team:
Bookmaker Paddy Power tipped its hat to the goalscorer:
It was 2-0 in the 29th minute, when Mahrez produced his best form, swinging a devastating free-kick into the top corner. The mercurial Algeria international had been quiet in the opening minutes, but he burst into life when given his chance to make a name for himself.
BT Sport Football shared the strike:
The hosts could not penetrate the English champions' back line while Danny Drinkwater bossed the midfield, as he often did last term.
Slimani remained quiet for Leicester despite their dominant display, but Vardy was in electric form as he continued to run off the last defender into space.
WhoScored.com provided player ratings at half-time:
The Foxes continued their dominance in the second half as Brugge stuttered through the gears, failing to trouble goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Slimani went close shortly before the hour mark as Brugge's defence once again collapsed, but the Algerian couldn't find a clinical finish.
Seconds later, Vardy sprinted through the centre with the ball at his feet before being brought down by stopper Ludovic Butelle, who was unable to deal with the striker's pace—conceding a penalty.
Mahrez stepped up to the spot to take on the responsibility, and the attacker slotted his effort away with ease.
BT Sport presenter and Leicester supporter Gary Lineker called the action as Mahrez obtained his brace:
The third goal shocked the hosts, who were quickly on the front foot as they searched for a desperately needed goal. However, Leicester remained firmly in charge as manager Claudio Ranieri made late changes.
Robert Huth nearly grabbed a fourth as he rose above the Brugge defence for a headed effort.
Brugge failed to hurt Leicester in the closing minutes, and the English team appeared composed and resolute.
It was a perfect performance by the Premier League outfit, but their Belgian opponents were not at the races on Wednesday night.
Vardy was electric as he put in a manic shift, and Drinkwater and Mahrez controlled the midfield with poise and precision.
The fairytale continues for the champions of England.
Post-Match Reaction
Ranieri was pleased with his team's work on Wednesday and explained what he said to his players before the tie, as quoted by freelance writer Ben Dinnery:
Group G of the Champions League continues on Tuesday, September 27, when Leicester host FC Porto, while Brugge travel to FC Copenhagen.
