Leicester 3-0 Zorya (Maddison 29, Barnes 45, Iheanacho 67)Maddison returns in Leicester’s first European game since 2017Leicester took a while to get going but they eventually made a commanding start to their first European expedition since 2016-17, dispatching their Ukrainian visitors thanks to goals from James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho. Although they could have scored plenty more, this was a positive beginning to a Europa League group phase during which they will also face AEK Athens and Braga.
Several of the home players stood out, especially Barnes and Wesley Fofana, but it was a particularly sweet contest for Maddison. This was only his second start since undergoing a hip operation in July and then suffering calf trouble. There was a joy to his performance that uplifted his team. “When you have an injury, it kinds of brings back the magic,” he said afterwards. “It brings back your love for the game. To be back out starting, pain-free and in Europe for the first time, and to get a goal as well, makes it a special feeling.”