Barnes and Iheanacho fail to take chances as Leicester are held by PSV

It was not the perfect evening for Leicester but it would be foolish to be too downbeat on an European night when PSV held firm. Brendan Rodgers will be encouraged by his side’s vibrant display but they failed to find a priceless winner.

For supporters, this was a lively contest that served to further whet the appetite for their second-leg meeting in Eindhoven next week, when one of these sides will secure a semi-final berth in the inaugural Europa Conference League semi-finals.

This was Leicester’s first European quarter-final since exiting the Champions League against Atlético Madrid under Craig Shakespeare five years ago and while it would not be their competition of choice Rodgers had stressed that his side are in no position to turn their noses up at the prospect of a trophy.

The reality is this tournament is Leicester’s best route into playing in Europe next season, as well as their last avenue to record any silverware this campaign.

Nevertheless, they almost got off to a disastrous start with two minutes played but Mario Götze, played onside by an unknowing Ricardo Pereira, was thwarted by Kasper Schmeichel’s right hand after spying a delicious reverse pass by Joey Veerman.

It was a game played at a frenetic pace, with crisp passes and neat triangles seemingly the dish of the day, but both sides were guilty of lacking poise in front of goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho had Rodgers cursing, the striker leading the line in the absence of Jamie Vardy squandering a wonderful chance after seizing on a mistake by Andre Ramalho. Iheanacho brushed off the defender but scooped wide of Yvon Mvogo, a surprise starter in the PSV goal.

Rodgers required a gulp of water. Harvey Barnes went even closer to opening the scoring in a lively