(Football news) In a thrilling fightback by Leicester City, a nine minute hat-trick by Patson Daka and an additional goal ensured the Premier League side defeated Spartak Moscow 3-4 in a UEFA Europa League Group C clash at the Otkrytie Arena. The 23 year old Zambian footballer is now Leicester City’s joint-highest scorer in Europe.
The Premier League side were joint bottom of their group after two games and in desperate need for points as they travelled to the Russian capital with hopes to secure passage into the knockout stage. However, the Foxes endured a nightmare first half that saw the hosts go two goals up thanks to a deflected strike by Aleksandr Sobolev in the 11th minute and Jordan Larsson in the 44th minute. Brendan Roger’s men got a small reprieve when Daka scored his first of the night with virtually the last kick of the half.
Three minutes into the second half, Daka grabbed the equalizer and completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute for a complete turnaround in Leicester City’s fortunes. If that wasn’t all, the Zambia international scored his fourth goal of the night 11 minutes from time for what appeared to be the game finally put to bed. However, Spartak Moscow had other plans as an 86th minute goal by Sobolev ensured a nervy ending for Leicester City who managed to defend collectively and ensure all three points were in the bag. With this result Leicester City are now second in their group behind Legia Warszawa who have played one game less but are two points ahead.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said "I'm satisfied with the result, it's a great victory, and satisfied with the mentality and spirit from the team. I'm satisfied with the second-half performance, we were more aggressive without the ball, and I'm super satisfied with Patson scoring for goals. To do it in an away game in Europe is so special. All his finishes were really calm and composed. That's his biggest strength, when he is one-on-one he has great composure. It was a great victory for us, it was a massive game for us in terms of the group stage. It was decisive."
