Leicester boss hails ‘very good result’ after Slavia’s stalemate

Leicester were held to a goalless draw at Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie behind closed doors on Thursday.

Leicester, who are third in the Premier League, dominated the first half on a chilly night, but reigning Czech champions Slavia looked more dangerous after the break.

“It’s set up really well for ourselves,” Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said after the game.

“We have a very good result to take in the second leg” on February 25.

The hosts decorated the empty stands to say “Slavia Prague Fox Hunting”, but it was the visiting foxes who looked hungrier from the start.

Harvey Barnes set up Marc Albrighton outside the box in the first minute but his low shot went wide.

Barnes himself then sprinted past the Slavia defense down the left flank and into the box in the 14th minute, only to see his effort denied by goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar.

Leicester made just one change from last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool as 19-year-old Luke Thomas replaced defender Ricardo Pereira.

Slavia, who focused on pressing the visitors up top, were reduced to half a chance in the first half, with Danish winger Alexander Bah sending his best effort wide.

After the break, Slavia’s Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu sent a free-kick straight into the hands of Kasper Schmeichel before forcing a superb save from the Danish goalkeeper with an hour to play.

“I think we played very well. They are a good team and they are competing for the Premier League title, but I think we did very well against them,” Stanciu told UEFA.com.

“Neither team looks like 100% favorites in the next game, so anything can happen.”

Slavia, who lead the Czech table with a 10-point cushion, continued to push but centre-back Ondrej Kudela missed from long range following a corner in the 72nd minute.

At the other end, Barnes chipped the ball past Kolar but missed the target ten minutes later.

“There weren’t many chances in the game, the pitch was difficult,” Rodgers said.

“I was very pleased with the spirit of the team, we were strong defensively, we didn’t concede too many moments in the game.”

“Could be better with the ball, that’s for sure, but it’s a good position to be in.”