Simpson: We've Given Ourselves A Chance

- Danny Simpson says Leicester City showed their heart in a 2-1 defeat by Sevilla on Wednesday night

- The result means City have a chance of progressing to the last-eight of the UEFA Champions League

- Simpson heaps praise on Kasper Schmeichel after a string of fine saves, including from 12 yards

- The Foxes have an away goal to protect after Jamie Vardy struck 17 minutes from time in Seville

believes Leicester City have given themselves a “massive” chance to book their spot in the last-eight of the UEFA Champions League after .

The Foxes withstood unrelenting waves of pressure from the five-time Europa League winners at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Wednesday night before countering in the 73rd minute with Danny Drinkwater finding England team-mate Jamie Vardy in the middle to convert beyond Sergio Rico.

Despite losing the first-leg tie 2-1 over 90 minutes in Andalusia, Simpson remains confident that City will be able to overturn the deficit at Leicester City Stadium with an away goal carrying extra weight into the corresponding fixture on what promises to be a historic evening on Tuesday 14 March. 

Pablo Sarabia's header and a close-range finish from Joaquin Correa ensure the Sevillistas remain favourites to progress, but Simpson told : “We have to remember they’re a very good team and that away goal is very important for us. The way we performed and worked for Leicester City and the fans was massive for us.” 

Simpson also heaped praise on goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after a stellar performance from the Denmark international at the back to keep Leicester in the tie - the highlight of which came with a superb penalty stop to deny Correa from 12 yards at a crucial moment in the first half.

“It wasn’t just the penalty, he made two or three top saves,” the City right-back continued, in the tunnel at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. “When you’re working that hard at the back against a top team who keep the ball, it’s so important to have a keeper behind you who can make those saves. 

“The penalty was so early in the game and it gave us a lift. You start thinking it could be your night and, I know it wasn’t, but at 2-1 we’ve given ourselves a chance back home.” 

City’s attacking intent, the primary reason behind their record-breaking success during the group stages, returned in Seville and Simpson has tipped his cap to Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray for their efforts in the latter stages, saying it gives the whole squad confidence going forward.

He added: “We looked like a threat again on the counter like last season. I’m happy for Vards, he deserved his goal and worked his socks off again. It was a great cross and that’s where he wants the ball putting - then he’ll score. It was us from last season and, at 2-0 down away at a place like this, we kept going and we knew how important that goal would be. 

"We’ve given ourselves a really good chance back home. These are the nights you want to play in. It’s a special place to come and it’s the Champions League. You want to perform every week. We had to defend well tonight and we did. I love making those tackles and I love defending. 

“I’m glad I could help the team. I know we conceded two but, for my part, I want to help the team as much as I can.”