Slimani slays Porto to put Foxes on top

ISLAM SLIMANI lived up to his nickname as gritty Leicester took control of Group G with a deserved victory over Porto. Labelled the Dragon Slayer in Portugal after his run of goals for Sporting Lisbon against Porto, the striker bagged his sixth goal of 2016 against them. It left Leicester two points clear at the top of the table following their opening victory at Club Brugge. Jesus Corona hit the post late on for Porto as the Foxes rode out late pressure. Jamie Vardy was irritating the visitors’ defence but Slimani netted the winner, combining with Riyad Mahrez. The winger teased an opening on the right and he swung in a delicious delivery which begged for the finishing touch and Slimani delivered, powering in a header. Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel was given an easy ride by Porto on his return from injury but survived a scare with eight minutes left. He came for — and missed — a cross and the ball fell for Corona who lashed a 15-yard volley against the post. Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said: ‘We suffered in the last 10 minutes but it was important to win. Concentration was high and we were resilient. I’m very happy.’