Three things learnt as Leicester City bowed out of Europe at the hands of Atletico Madrid

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Marc Albrighton struggles defensively again

During the first-leg in the Vicente Calderon last week, it was Leicester’s Marc Albrighton that – albeit controversially – gave Atletico Madrid the chance to bring a lead to the King Power from the spot.

Less than half an hour into the reverse fixture on Tuesday evening and the Leicester midfielder was once again at fault for a goal, allowing Saul Niguez to drift in at the back post and have all the time in the world to pick his spot and fire a header into the far corner, past the dive of Kasper Schmeichel.

This killer blow – that came as the Foxes were starting to gain momentum in the match – all-but ended Leicester’s hopes of progressing to a quarter-final and was careless on Albrighton’s behalf.

Inspirational in his side’s comeback victory over Sevilla at the King Power in the previous round the 27-year-old simply couldn’t cope with Atletico Madrid’s over-lapping full-backs on the night.

With Juanfran bombing forward at every opportunity down the right-hand side, and with the defender equally suffocating Albrighton out of possession whenever he attempted to set his side on the attack in the final third, it was a rare off-night for a man who has been so consistent this year.

It seems harsh to single one man out after Leicester’s outstanding Champions League adventure this season, but this error ultimately cost his side a shot at remaining in the tie for a little while longer.