Leicester City’s magnificent Champions League adventure came to an end on Tuesday night after they went down 2-1 on aggregate to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
Craig Shakespeare’s Foxes trailed 1-0 from the first leg in the Spanish capital, and their task became significantly harder when Saul Niguez headed home midway through the first half at the King Power Stadium.
And although the Premier League champions got themselves back into the game on the hour through Jamie Vardy, they ultimately had too much to do, and thus exited the competition at the last eight stage.
It was not through the lack of trying though, as Shakespeare’s men created several opportunities and had last season’s runners-up rattled and on the back foot for much of the second period, but Atletico’s defensive qualities shone through as they booked a spot in the semi-finals for the third time in four years.
It means that Leicester’s wonderful campaign, which saw them top their group and then produce a sterling effort to come from behind to beat Sevilla in the last 16, comes to a spirited end at the King Power Stadium, and they will now turn their attentions to confirming their Premier League status for next season.
Unsurprisingly, several Foxes supporters took to Twitter after the game to express their overwhelming pride at their side’s performance against one of Europe’s best teams…
https://twitter.com/LCFC1884VERDICT/status/854462712843206658
https://twitter.com/Lathom/status/854460076354146306
Never more proud to be a Leicester boy than tonight – wonderful performance – nearly climbed the mountain ! #lcfc #ucl
— Les B (@MeetTheCritics) April 18, 2017
Couldn't be prouder of Leicester City tonight. Immensely brave performance particularly in the 2nd half. I love this team #lcfc
— Sam Hirst (@sam_hirst1) April 18, 2017
While many Leicester fans lauded the immense talent within the squad, and praised the wonderful display of Ben Chilwell, who came on as a second half substitute to great effect on Tuesday…
Brilliant performance tonight. Some great talent in @22Demarai @BenChilwell @Ndidi25 to drive us forward @LCFC #LCFC #PROUD
— Billdogg (@whiskyloveruk) April 18, 2017
Ndidi, 20, Chilwell, 20, Gray, 20, Barnes, 19, Lawrence, 23. Champions League dream may be over, but what a future. #proud #lcfc #leiatl
— Yes Ndidi! (@yes_ndidi) April 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jacob_Tigers/status/854443043008729089
Chilwell came of age tonight! #LCFC
— Mitchell Dunkley (@Mitchley) April 18, 2017
And some saw enough in that performance and recent ones to suggest that Shakespeare deserves the job beyond the end of the season…
Folks, look at the performance at Palace, and the response in the 2nd half today. Shakey needs to be made permanent at season's end. #LCFC
— sometimes right (@seaman_bodine) April 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sweeney_Sean/status/854443747450511360
https://twitter.com/yesyesitsRT/status/854435079719989250