Early blitz ensures Foxes’ top spot is never in doubt

LEICESTER eased past AEK Athens 2-0 as they marched on in the Europa League to win their group.

Quick-fire first-half goals from Cengiz Under and Harvey Barnes ensured the Foxes clinched top spot in Group G.

Brendan Rodgers’ side finished ahead of Braga, who beat Zorya Luhansk 2-0, and will be seeded in Monday’s draw for the last 32.

It was a breeze for the hosts, who were able to leave Jamie Vardy on the bench and were without the injured James Maddison, as they continue their impressive European and domestic efforts.

Under-pressure AEK boss Massimo Carrera had vowed his team would fight after three defeats in four games but they folded inside the first 14 minutes.

The Foxes started on top and opened the scoring after 12 minutes.

Youri Tielemans collected Luke Thomas’ pass and his cross should have been comfortably cleared by Stratos Svarnas. Instead, the defender sliced the ball into the air for Roma loanee Under to lash in a fierce volley.

It got worse for the visitors, as the Foxes probed down the left again and when Barnes cut inside his shot hit Ionut Nedelcearu to deflect in.

Two goals in 133 seconds won the game but the Foxes went for more and Kelechi Iheanacho missed his kick in front of goal after Barnes picked him out.

It was another European stroll as Leicester maintained their 100% home record — with the Foxes also yet to concede at the King Power Stadium — during a routine second half.

Under saw his effort comfortably saved after more defensive sloppiness from AEK and Barnes’ strong run ended with the winger shooting wide.

That they failed to find a third mattered little as AEK’S fragile defence managed to hold firm and the visitors nearly grabbed a surprise late consolation but Nelson Oliveira ballooned over.