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Craig Shakespeare undaunted by Atletico challenge

Leicester City have the chance to defy the odds again tonight and progress to the Champions ...



Craig Shakespeare undaunted by...
Soccer

Craig Shakespeare undaunted by Atletico challenge

Leicester City have the chance to defy the odds again tonight and progress to the Champions League semi-final stage.

The reigning Premier League champions trail 1-0 after the away leg of their tie with Atletico Madrid, but have the chance to turn around the deficit in front of their home fans.

Bookmakers are heavily favouring Atletico to progress, but Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare doesn't hold their opinion in too high regard.

"They've got it wrong in the past," he said. Leicester, of course, were crowned champions last year after being favourites for relegation and triumphed at the now infamous odds of 5000-1.

"We know we'll start as underdogs because of the history of Madrid, but we're quite comfortable with that. We know what we've got to do. Let's hope we can earn people a few bob."

Leicester defender Christian Fuchs was another who was quick to dismiss any of the external noise surrounding the fixture.

"We all know Madrid are a great team. They carry that threat in both attack and defence, but we know what we have to do to try get to the next stage."

Leicester City's manager Craig Shakespeare during his side's first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Vincente Calderon. Image: Paul White/AP/Press Association Images

The task will be made all the more difficult knowing that the visitors have rested a number of players for tonight's game at the King Power Stadium.

Antoine Griezmann, Saul Niguez and captain Gabi were among those who dropped to the bench for Atletico, while Diego Simeone's side cruised to victory against La Liga bottom side Osasuna.

Impressively, Atletico are one of three Primera División sides left in the competition - alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Catalans look set to be dumped out of the competition on Wednesday night after suffering a 3-0 opening leg defeat to Juventus, while Cristiano Ronaldo has left Real Madrid perfectly poised to progress at the expense of Bayern Munich.

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