In-form Vardy fires Leicester to victory
Jamie Vardy's 11th goal in 12 games helped Leicester City to a 2-1 win over AEK Athens in Europa League Group G on Friday (AEDT).
Vardy put Leicester ahead from the penalty spot with his 11th goal from his last 12 appearances in all competitions.
Hamza Choudhury put the Foxes two up before the interval with a crisp finish before Muamer Tankovic got one back early in the second half.
However, AEK were unable to muster an equaliser as Leicester chalked up only their third ever away victory in Europe.
Leicester was awarded a penalty when Vardy went to ground following a touch by AEK goalkeeper Panagiotis Tsintotas after being put through by James Maddison.
Tsintotas almost made amends when he got a hand to Vardy's spot-kick after he guessed correctly and dived to his right, but the ferocity of the strike saw it squeeze over the line.
The alert Tsintotas then made a smart save at his near post shortly afterwards to deny Cengiz Under a goal on his first start for the Foxes.
Brendan Rodgers' side were almost punished for some sloppy play at the back as first Kasper Schmeichel saved from Marko Livaja's header and then moments later the Croatian striker dragged a shot wide.
However, the Foxes added a second shortly before half-time when AEK allowed a Maddison corner to bounce in the box and the unmarked Choudhury adjusted his body at the back post to stylishly whip the ball home.
AEK pulled one back three minutes into the second half with a goal of equal quality through substitute Tankovic, who beat the Leicester offside trap and struck a low first-time shot beyond Schmeichel.
Tankovic found himself in a similar position a couple of minutes later but this time he sent his effort over the crossbar leaving Schmeichel furious with his defence.
His words had an impact as Leicester tightened up from that point and saw out the rest of the contest without further trouble.