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Leicester City have one foot in the Europa Conference League last-16 after a comfortable knockout round play-off victory over Randers FC.

The Foxes dominated proceedings but had just Wilfred Ndidi’s goal to show for their efforts in the first 45 minutes. Vito Hammershoy-Mistrati ensured the sides went into the break on level terms. But second-half goals by Harvey Barnes, Patson Daka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave the home side a deserved advantage for the second leg.

Brendan Rodgers had been under pressure heading into the match after a poor run of results. And he made three changes from the starting XI that drew 2-2 with West Ham United last time out.

Marc Albrighton was selected at full-back, replacing Ricardo Pereira, with Daniel Amartey moving to the left to accommodate Jannik Vestegaard.

James Maddison started on the bench as Ademola Lookman was given the nod. The Danish league break means Randers have not played for two months.

Since their last game, Erik Marxen has joined Nordsjaelland. The Foxes were strong favourites and made a bright start at King Power Stadium.

However, it was the Danish Superliga outfit who managed the first shot on target. But Kasper Schmeichel was equal to Tosin Kehinde’s effort on eight minutes.

Four minutes later Leicester could have taken the lead. Youri Tielemans’ superb cross found Daka but the Zambian’s header flew just wide.

Daka also forced a save from Patrik Carlgren but the hosts were ahead on 23 minutes. Ndidi exchanged passes with Ademola Lookman and enjoyed a touch of fortune as his shot deflected in off Jakob Ankersen.

It could easily have been 2-0 just minutes later but Barnes’ effort was well saved by Carlgren. Leicester continued to push forward but it was 1-1 at the break as Randers equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Kehinde’s cross found Hammershoy-Mistrati and the skipper made no mistake from close range.

Leicester quickly out of the traps

The goal stunned the home faithful but Leicester were ahead once again just three minutes after the interval. Dewsbury-Hall found Lookman and the ball fell kindly for Barnes who slotted home much to the relief of the fans.

And it was 3-1 six minutes later as Daka gave the Foxes some breathing space. Calgren saved well from Tielemans but Daka buried the rebound.

DAKAAAAAAA! OUR EUROPEAN MARKSMAN STRIKES AGAIN!!! #LeiRan pic.twitter.com/o8HOue3x4d

— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 17, 2022

There was suspicion of offside but the assistant’s flag stayed down.

Rodgers side seemed to ooze confidence as the half wore on, with both Lookman and Daka testing the opposition keeper. And it was no surprise when the fourth goal came.

And it was Dewsbury-Hall who put the result well and truly beyond doubt. Lookman was involved once again as his run and cross was swept home by the 23-year-old Englishman.

Rodgers will have been pleased with the way his charges put the game to bed but there was a concern over Maddison. The in-form midfielder fell to the ground, prompting Schmeichel to run the length of the pitch to check on his team-mate.

He seemed ok but was replaced with five minutes left on the watch. There was no obvious injury and it may well have been dizziness that forced him to the ground.

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