Leicester out to make it a famous night

We will defy the odds, declares Shakespeare Captain Morgan could return to face Atlético

have been pinching themselves. But the message will be very much that we are here to have a right go. We have had some special nights and let’s make it another one.”

The second leg is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Shakespeare and his players, who may never have the chance to feature on such a grand stage again.

Leicester’s European excursions began in Bruges on a balmy night in September and while reaching the quarter-finals has already defied expectations, these players are in no mood to close the chapter on their adventure.

Christian Fuchs, the defender, said: “It is something very special to us, we are small Leicester City playing in the Champions League for the first time in our history and it is already great.

“Being in the quarter-finals is outstanding. We just want to enjoy the time we have. We might never be here again. I’m fired up and looking forward to it. Everyone said we would crack under the pressure last season and we didn’t. I don’t think anyone loves coming to the King Power, but nevertheless we are still the underdogs.”

Leicester’s hopes of progress will be fuelled by a smouldering sense of injustice following the decision by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson that swung the first leg at the Vicente Calderón.

Eriksson awarded Atlético a penalty despite Marc Albrighton fouling Griezmann outside the box.

Shakespeare said: “It’s not gnawing away at me and the last thing the players need is me harping on about it [the referee’s decision].

“We have to make sure we’re fully focused on the game. Our players have to be smart and our game management has to be good. We can’t sit back for 90 minutes because we need to score. You want footballers to express themselves, to enjoy it and play with a smile on their face, that is when you get the best out of them. Players will tell you after a game, if you’ve lost, you haven’t enjoyed it.”

Simeone is predicting a nervy encounter at the King Power Stadium, where Leicester have won all four of their European ties so far this season.

“Leicester have been very close to getting back to their best in the last six or seven games,” he said. “Our characteristics are very similar, we are not too different in the way we play. It’ll be a very tight game.”

Wes Morgan, the Leicester captain, will be assessed this morning but could return after missing the last six games with a back injury. He is in line to start, with Robert Huth suspended after his booking in Madrid last week.