Riyad Mahrez passes Champions League test to show he belongs in the elite

Sep 27, 2016

Leicester’s playmaker has waited for the big stage and did not waste his chance against Porto, creating Islam Slimani’s winner with typical skill and vision

Before kick-off there was slightly wild crackle in the air round the open stands of the King Power Stadium. “FEARLESS FOREVER” read the banner at the Kop end, either side of a huge pair of scarily bloodshot Skittles-and-vodka fox’s eyes. Leicester have promised to take an adrenal fast-forward approach to this European adventure. But for all the first-night excitement it was a moment of cold, cool execution from Riyad Mahrez that forced a 1-0 defeat of Porto their way, the high point of a fine and indeed significant performance from the Premier League’s player of the year.

Tags: Champions League Football Leicester City Porto Sport