A lot has changed since Leicester’s 2-1 first-leg defeat to Sevilla a couple weeks ago. Shortly after that match, Leicester sacked title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri because of a horrific run of form which had left them fighting for relegation.
But ever since his sacking, they’ve looked like the champions of England once again. They’ve won both league games under now-permanent boss Craig Shakespeare 3-1, with both games coming at home. That’s definitely a promising build-up heading into their second-leg against Sevilla – at home.
Jamie Vardy’s away goal at the tail-end of that first leg suddenly looks a lot more crucial. A 1-0 home win would be enough to see them through to the quarterfinals. Vardy has looked a lot more threatening since that goal, and he scored two more goals in their massive win over Liverpool. The Premier League’s reigning Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, has also undergone a stark transformation.
Leicester were outstanding at home during the group stage. They won all three games and conceded only one goal. Being at home should definitely give an already confident team even more energy, especially with the team within arm’s reach of making another piece of history.
Sevilla had a decent run-in in La Liga after their second leg against Leicester. They went undefeated in four matches, but they drew their last two matches to weaker opposition, and have missed the opportunity to rise up in the standings. But perhaps those struggles were because they had this Champions League second leg in mind.
The Spaniards were excellent in the first leg at home, and really should’ve been up by more than just 2-1. They dominated 72 percent of possession, and outshot the English champions, 22-7. However, they will likely face a different Leicester side this time around, and will have to prepare accordingly.
Luckily for Sevilla, they have a master tactician in manager Jorge Sampaoli, who has tons of big-game tournament experience from his time as manager of Chile. Sampaoli is known for his aggressive, attacking football, but he’s shown in this year’s Champions League that he also knows a thing or two about neutralizing his opponent.
Sevilla went undefeated in three away group games (one win, two draws), and didn’t concede a single goal away from home, the only team to accomplish that feat in the tournament. They’ve actually kept clean sheets in five of their seven Champions League games. Another clean sheet would secure Sevilla’s progress to the quarterfinals, so a more cautious approach from the Spaniards is definitely in play.
Writer’s Prediction
Leicester puts up a spirited fight, but Sevilla survive to get the draw (+240) they need to progress.
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