Braga 3-3 Leicester: Player Ratings as Late Jamie Vardy Equaliser Seals Foxes’ Europa League Progression

A 95th minute equaliser from Jamie Vardy earned Leicester a 3-3 draw against Braga, with the result ensuring the Foxes’ progression into the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The hosts took the lead inside four minutes when Ali Elmusrati fired a driven shot past Kasper Schmeichel from just outside the box. However, their lead did not last long as Harvey Barnes produced a superb finish to level things up soon after.

Ricardo Horta then made it 2-1 to Braga with less than half an hour on the clock, capping off a free-flowing team move with a tap-in.

After the break, Brendan Rodgers rung the changes to try and get back into the game. It paid off when one of these substitutes, James Maddison, drilled a cross into the path of Luke Thomas who finished smartly. Braga thought they settled it with just moments left when Fransergio finished a fine counter attack, only for Vardy to pop up at the back post in the 95th minute to earn his side a point.

Here are your Leicester player ratings from Portugal…

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – 7/10 – Spent the first 45 minutes shouting abuse at his static defence. Made a couple of solid stops to keep the score down.

Could have done more to prevent Braga’s second goal. Did a nice overlapping centre-backs thing with Luke Thomas.

Appeared leggy with Braga’s movement causing him a lot of problems. Looks like he’s lost at least a yard of pace from last season. Worrying.

All the football he’s played recently seems to be taking its toll. Struggled to contain his opposite number before being replaced by Fofana at half time.

2. Wing Backs & Midfielders

Marc Albrighton (RWB) – 6/10 – Lots of hustle but not much quality in the attacking phase.

Chasing shadows in the first half and failed to use the ball well. Improved after the break but still not very influential.

Struggled to gain a foothold in the game before being dragged off at the break. Continues to blow hot and cold.

Can’t be blamed for his side’s porous defending. Also, took up some great attacking positions centrally in the second half, eventually being rewarded with a goal.

Cengiz Under (RW) – 6/10 – Poor, poor miss in the first half summed up some below par decision making. Saying that, he was at least trying to make stuff happen.

He’s been so impressive in Europe previously, making his underwhelming display particularly disappointing.

Incredible finish in the first half and could have had another if Under’s vision had been better.

4. Substitutes

Youri Tielemans – 7/10 – Leicester looked sooooooo much better when he came on. He linked everything up in a way that Praet could not.

Leaps and bounds ahead of any Leicester defender at the moment. Perhaps could have done better for Braga’s third goal though.

Came on, provided a fine assist, went home. Very nice.

Secured his side’s progression to the knockout stages, making up for his poor decision not to take the ball to the corner minutes before.