- Leicester City reached their first-ever European semi-final after victory in Eindhoven
- James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira scored to beat PSV 2-1 in Thursday’s second leg
- The Foxes will now face AS Roma in the UEFA Europa Conference League last four
- Maddison described his feelings while speaking to LCFC TV on a memorable night
The Club’s European adventure continues into unchartered territory following Thursday’s memorable 2-1 victory at PSV Stadion, setting up a UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final tie against AS Roma.
With the score locked at 0-0 from the first leg, City were up against it from the moment Eran Zahavi fired home a first-half opener that edged their Dutch hosts ahead on the night - and on aggregate.
Brendan Rodgers’ side fought back brilliantly in the last 13 minutes, equalising when substitute Ayoze Pérez skilfully set up Maddison to emphatically finish before Ricardo Pereira slotted in what proved to be the winner two minutes from time.
“There were about 40 heroes, everyone who travelled,” the 25-year-old claimed in his post-match interview with LCFC TV. “I’m just so proud of the boys, so proud of everyone here because these nights have such big build-up, and you get that big game feeling. Before the game, you can tell it’s a big game.
“It was a bit of a cagey first leg coming in 0-0 away from home, but the lads dealt with it really well. We started a bit slowly, we actually played a lot better and settled a little bit more once they had scored and we were one goal behind, I think, which is not ideal, but that’s just how it went.
“In the second half, I thought we were brilliant. Just so intense, playing on the front foot, penning them in and we scored two real good goals of quality to win the game and I think we were deserved winners so I’m really happy.”
The manager made two half-time changes, switching to a 4-4-2 system that instilled added impetus to the attack, before also introducing the influential Pérez for the final 25 minutes. And despite remaining behind for the majority of the game, Maddison always felt confident that the visitors could turn it around and create history.
“I felt we were pushing,” the England midfielder continued. “We were getting opportunities, a lot of the game was played in their half, they didn’t really have much possession in terms of their build-up. They were going long, and we were winning it back and attacking again.
“But at the end of the day, you’ve got to put the ball in the net and the longer it goes on, you wonder if it is going to be one of those nights. I think I got the goal at a perfect time. It was absolutely brilliant from Ayoze Pérez to chop the guy and lay it on a plate for me.
“And then from then, I felt we were going to go on and win the game, wherever it was going to come from. With Ademola [Lookman] and Patson [Daka] coming on, it gave us that freshness in the attack. They linked up for the rebound.
“We were fitter, we were more intense, and we got there in the end with Ricky (Ricardo Pereira) at the back post. It was the best feeling ever, brilliant. I’m so happy for Ricky.”
While City’s No. 10 was in the headlines for his goal – a fourth strike across European competitions this term - he also reserved praise for defender Wesley Fofana who produced a titanic performance at the back despite fasting for Ramadan.
The playmaker added: “I just always try and give my best for the team. We didn’t want to send the brilliant travelling fans home with a loss. The gaffer said that big games are for big players and big personalities and to try and show that.
“I’m 25 now, I’ve got a lot of experience, I feel, at this level. I felt good out there, just tried to help the lads, even when we were winning, just showing a bit of leadership for the younger lads and just trying to help.
“Wesley Fofana today, he’s fasting at the minute, so he hasn’t eaten or drank all day. He played a full 90 minutes there, letting us attack and he was shutting down counter attacks. That’s the attitude, he epitomises it. It’s brilliant.
“That’s the heart for the team. That lung-busting run back to put in the challenge, win the foul, all while he’s fasting. He deserves the credit for that.”