Atlético Madrid vs. Leicester City: Live coverage and score updates from the Champions League quarterfinals

It was a match that ended up being as intense and dramatic as it promised to be, with Leicester City doing everything they could to create a miracle comeback against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. They came close, but their efforts were too little, too late, as a first-half Saúl Ñíguez goal was enough for Atléti to seal a 1-1 draw in this match and a 2-1 aggregate win to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Leicester City had the majority of possession for the vast majority of the match, but throughout the first half they struggled to do anything productive with it. Atlético had a great set up defensively that was forcing Leicester to consistently take the less-ideal option in a given situation, and Atlético were able to thrive on the counter attack.

Leicester City did not score an away goal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atlético Madrid, so they were big underdogs heading into Tuesday’s game. It didn’t take long for the Rojiblancos to take full control of the tie through Saúl.

And with that, Leicester needs to score three more goals than Atléti in the second half to advance. RIP the Leicester City fairy tale.

The eyes of the Champions League turn to England for perhaps the last time this season, as Leicester City prepare to defend their dreams against Atlético Madrid while staring at a 1-0 aggregate deficit. That kind of situation demands a strong response from the Foxes, and to that end, Claudio Ranieri has named as strong a starting lineup as he can.

There’s a couple of absences in the Leicester side, but none of them come as a surprise. Robert Huth is suspended for this match, forcing Wes Morgan into the lineup after dealing with a back injury of late. Otherwise, we’re looking at the core of what Craig Shakespeare has used to drive Leicester’s recent successes, and arguably at their best possible chance of advancing to the semifinals.

Leicester City face a tough task on Tuesday, when they welcome Atlético Madrid to the King Power Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. The Spanish side head in a goal up, with a controversial Antoine Griezmann penalty having earned them the advantage when these sides clashed at the Vicente Calderón a week ago.

The Foxes are winless in three games in all competitions, though can take heart from their performance in Madrid. They were expected to suffer a heavy defeat, but impressive organisation enabled Craig Shakespeare’s side to keep the tie alive. Atléti are certainly in the better position — and will surely be looking forward to picking Leicester off on the counter — though they can’t afford to get complacent.

Atlético Madrid took a step towards the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, defeating Leicester City, 1-0, at the Vicente Calderón in the first leg of their quarterfinal meet. Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of a tight game from the penalty spot in the first half, though replays appeared to show Marc Albrighton committing the foul in question outside the box.

Atléti were in the ascendancy from the game’s opening exchanges, though Diego Simeone’s men initially struggled to convert possession into chances. Shots rained down on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal, though almost all from distance. The only real scare for the Foxes came when Koke’s long-range drive cracked against the woodwork, Leicester’s defensive shield having prevented the hosts from creating any opportunities closer in.

Madrid police have broken up a gathering of Leicester City fans in the city’s central square ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Atlético Madrid. Leicester fans were using flares, fireworks, and smoke devices before police moved in on them, but there are no reports of fighting or other violence.

Several fans in the vicinity filmed police entering the square and dispersing the crowd:

After a season of struggle, Leicester City have found new life and a new gear — but now they have to take that momentum to the Calderón in Spain to take on Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. That’s going to be a massive challenge, even for a team with renewed confidence like Leicester, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they do in this match.

Atlético is always a difficult team to face because Diego Simeone is a hard-nosed manager who imparts his same mindset and style on his players. And despite the defensive mindset the club is often attributed with, they can play some absolutely gorgeous attacking football, especially with Antoine Griezmann on the pitch.

Against all odds, reigning Premier League champions Leicester City are England’s remaining Champions League representatives. Having achieved the remarkable feat of winning their domestic title last season, the Foxes are still looking to go one better and become European champions this time around. However, they come up against one of the big favourites in Wednesday’s quarterfinal first leg: Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid.

Atléti have been beaten finalists in this tournament twice in the last three seasons, losing on both occasions to cross-town rivals Real. However, they keep bouncing back with remarkable determination, and they’re strong favourites to beat Leicester and reach the final four.