FC Copenhagen vs. Leicester: Score and Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match

Leicester City's perfect run in the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League came to an end on Wednesday, when the Premier League champions played out a drab goalless draw against FC Copenhagen.

Copenhagen were the better team before half-time but barely mustered any chances against a well-organised Leicester team.

The level of play didn't improve after the break, and after 90 dull minutes, both teams seemed happy with the 0-0 draw.

As the Foxes' official Twitter account shared, manager Claudio Ranieri opted for a strong starting XI, featuring both Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez:

The hosts took the initiative early, with Leicester sitting back and aiming for the counter. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel dealt with a dangerous corner, and several early crosses from Copenhagen failed to find the mark.

Peter Ankersen had a shot deflected for another corner, and Leicester couldn't reach Vardy during the break that came from the set piece.

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/Getty Images

Copenhagen were unable to maintain their high pace, and after 10 minutes, Leicester enjoyed their first decent spell of possession. Danny Drinkwater fired the visitors' first shot on goal, but goalkeeper Robin Olsen blocked his effort.

Federico Santander's looping header came to nothing, and William Kvist tried his luck with a low shot that flew wide of Schmeichel's goal.

The Leicester Mercury noticed the visitors lacked sharpness, which could be blamed on a new formation:

Santander should have done better after a poor touch from Wes Morgan, but the forward's shot lacked power and didn't trouble Schmeichel.

Drinkwater ran into the first booking of the match for a cynical tackle on Andreas Cornelius, and Robert Huth joined him after bringing down Santander minutes later. The two swift bookings boosted Copenhagen, who did an excellent job of frustrating the Premier League champions and keeping the ball away from them.

Thomas Delaney had another shot blocked, and Santander fired a volley wide after a poor clearance as their dominance continued. But major chances were few, and neutral viewers were not impressed.

ESPN FC's John Brewin expressed his displeasure with a William Shakespeare reference:

Vardy almost found some space after Olsen sliced a clearance, but the stopper redeemed himself with a save on Jeff Schlupp. Delaney's wild shot flew high and wide, and Vardy had the final chance of the half, with his shot being blocked.

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/Getty Images

Leicester improved after the break, but Copenhagen still had the better play. Olsen dived into the feet of Mahrez, and Ankersen clumsily ruined a good counter opportunity for the hosts.

Cornelius almost snuck in behind the Foxes defence, and Daniel Amartey fired a shot wide. Chances were still few, but that didn't mean the away fans weren't enjoying themselves:

With 30 minutes left, the level of play barely improved, although Leicester were more positive in possession. Mahrez fired over the bar from a promising position, but overall, Olsen had little to do.

As the match wore on, it became increasingly clear both teams were afraid of conceding first. Ranieri's troops dropped even deeper than before when Copenhagen had the ball, and the Foxes were unwilling to send their full-backs up the pitch.

Santander went close with 21 minutes left to play, but a goal-line clearance saved the Foxes before Ranieri had seen enough and introduced Shinji Okazaki to get more of a foothold in the attacking third.

OLAFUR STEINAR GESTSSON/Getty Images

Copenhagen wanted a penalty for a perceived handball by Huth, but to the fury of the home crowd, the official was unmoved.

Leicester dug in deeper during the final 10 minutes, launching long balls toward Vardy whenever Copenhagen lost possession. Okazaki wanted a penalty of his own for a shove, but again, the referee didn't budge.

Schmeichel saved Leicester's skin late, denying Cornelius from close range to secure the draw.

Despite the disappointing level of play, Ranieri was still satisfied with the outcome, per the club's official Twitter account:

Leicester's next match will be at home against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, while Copenhagen will play SonderjyskE.