Leicester City has convincingly advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Championship side Queens Park Rangers struggled defensively against Ruud van Nistelrooy's team.
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Van Nistelrooy had to endure a challenging wait for his second win as Leicester City manager.
After an inspiring debut victory over West Ham United, the team’s form plummeted in league competition, collecting just one point from the next six matches. This poor run of results pushed the club closer to the relegation zone and heaped pressure on the former star striker. However, Leicester’s performance in their FA Cup clash against Queens Park Rangers offered a much-needed respite and a glimpse of the potential within the squad.
Leicester started the game on the front foot, showing a level of energy and cohesion that had been lacking in recent weeks. The breakthrough came early, in the ninth minute, when right-back James Justin capitalized on a free kick delivered by Facundo Buonanotte. Justin, a reliable figure in defense, displayed composure and precision to fire the ball past the QPR goalkeeper, giving Leicester a 1-0 lead. The goal set the tone for a first half that, despite moments of QPR resistance, saw the Foxes take control of the game.
Queens Park Rangers, determined not to be overwhelmed, found their way back into the match through Jonathan Varane. The striker leveled the score at 1-1 with a well-taken goal that briefly silenced the Leicester faithful. Yet, instead of panicking, Leicester responded with determination. Just before halftime, they turned up the pressure. Stephy Mavididi, demonstrating his tenacity and awareness, intercepted the ball deep in QPR’s half and combined with Bilal El Khannouss to restore Leicester’s lead. Moments later, the ever-impressive Buonanotte added to QPR’s woes, heading in a precise cross from El Khannouss to make it 3-1. The quick double strike highlighted Leicester’s attacking prowess and ensured they went into the break with a crucial two-goal cushion.
Despite this advantage, the match was far from over. QPR, spurred on by 19-year-old forward Rayan Kolli, managed to claw one back in injury time of the first half. Kolli’s goal, a composed finish, brought the visitors back into contention at 3-2 and set up an intriguing second half. The game’s momentum seemed poised to shift, but Leicester had other ideas.
In the second half, Leicester’s veteran striker Jamie Vardy stepped up to provide a moment of calm amid the chaos. Awarded a penalty in the 51st minute, Vardy, who has built a career on delivering in high-pressure situations, confidently converted from the spot. His goal, which made it 4-2, effectively broke QPR’s resolve. The 38-year-old’s leadership and clinical finishing were on full display, reminding fans of the qualities that have made him a club legend.
Leicester’s dominance continued as James Justin, already on the scoresheet, added his second goal of the game just over an hour in. The defender’s strike extended the lead to 5-2, giving Van Nistelrooy the luxury of relaxing on the sidelines for the first time in weeks. As the game wound down, Wout Faes joined the action, scoring Leicester’s sixth goal to seal a commanding 6-2 victory. The emphatic win not only secured Leicester’s place in the fourth round of the FA Cup but also provided a much-needed confidence boost for a team battling to find form.
Looking ahead, Van Nistelrooy and his squad face a quick turnaround, with a critical Premier League clash against Crystal Palace looming on Wednesday. The Foxes currently sit in 19th place in the league standings, underscoring the urgency of turning their domestic fortunes around. While the FA Cup victory offers a moment of relief, Van Nistelrooy knows that the primary focus remains on climbing out of the relegation zone and restoring Leicester’s status as a competitive force in English football. For now, though, the win serves as a reminder of what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders, and it offers hope that brighter days may lie ahead for the Foxes.
Updated: 04:48, 11 Jan 2025
