MY ACCOUNT
Leicester were beaten 2-1 by Rennes in France but progressed to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals on 3-2 aggregate.
Benjamin Bourigeaud put the hosts into the lead just eight minutes in, scrambling Martin Terrier’s low cross in from close range.
The Foxes equalised soon after the break, however, as Wesley Fofana rose to glance Ademola Lookman’s corner in off the far post.
Rennes substitute Flavien Tait put his side back in front on the night with a sharp low strike into the bottom corner from just inside the box.
However, the Ligue 1 side were unable to complete the comeback and Leicester held on to make it into the last eight.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s mentality in overcoming Rennes across two legs.
He said: “Over two legs if you beat Rennes and qualify you know it has been really good. With the ball we were really poor in the game and nowhere near what I expect but we did show a real character, especially with a lot of players missing.
“We had to show resilience and you could see they were a good side so to get through is a fantastic feeling.
“It was a great atmosphere, our supporters were brilliant as well, we knew they would make a fast start and they got the early goal, but we showed a great mentality.
“[Wesley Fofana scoring on his return] is amazing, he has only been back training a few weeks. He was exceptional tonight and we have missed his determination.”
Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel agreed with his manager’s assessment, stating that the performance was poor but hailing the mental strength on display.
He said: “It was no fun, it was stressful towards the end. We knew what we would be coming into and the atmosphere would be incredible.
“We didn’t play our best but we dug in and showed resilience. Wesley came back and scored on his return, a great feeling, a great day but very, very tough.
“These are the nights you want. Great credit to the Rennes fans and ours were fantastic as well. These European nights are special.
“I’m very proud, it’s a competition we want to win but if we are going to progress we will have to do better but in terms of heart and bravery this ticks all the boxes.”
