Vardy lifeline lifts Leicester in battle to stave off relegation

SEVILLE, Spain - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes his side can continue its "holiday" from its relegation battle at home after Jamie Vardy's goal gave the Foxes a Champions League lifeline against Sevilla on Wednesday.

Despite being thoroughly outplayed in southern Spain, Leicester got off lightly with a 2-1 last-16, first-leg loss, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg on March 14.

"The Champions League is like a holiday and the most important thing is the Premier League," said Ranieri, whose side is perilously placed just one point above the drop zone.

"If we can do something important in the Champions League, great. Football is great for this because the best and biggest team doesn't always win."

On top of Vardy's first goal since December, Leicester was thankful to a stunning display from goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who made a string of saves, including on Joaquin Correa's first-half penalty.

But the Dane could not stop Pablo Sarabia and Correa putting Sevilla up 2-0 before Vardy replied with 17 minutes left.

"The first half was very, very tough," said Ranieri.

"No one wanted to receive the ball and Kasper kept the team alive. The second half was much better, but in our good moment they scored the second goal.

"We didn't give up and scored, which is important for three things: It gives us strength, it gets Vardy back among the goals and it opens up the tie."

However, the Italian dismissed suggestions Leicester is favored to eliminate three-time reigning Europa League champion Sevilla, which is third in La Liga.

"I think we are underdogs because they are very high quality," said Ranieri.

"We will suffer in the second leg, we will try to do our best and, if we lose, it is because Sevilla makes a great performance."

By contrast, Sevilla was left to rue its profligacy.

"We were the better side, we had a lot of chances and should've scored more. As it is, the tie is still open," said striker Stevan Jovetic.

Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli said he expected more from the Premier League champion despite its recent struggles.

"It is difficult to imagine such a big difference in a Champions League game," said the Argentine.

"We were dominant and we found Schmeichel in great form. If not for him, it would have been a different story."

Agence France - Presse