Leicester's road to the FA Cup final

14 May 2021 06:45

Leicester have the chance to win the FA Cup for the first time in their history when they take on Chelsea at Wembley in Saturday's final.

The Foxes haven't had an easy path to the final, taking on two Championship and three Premier League sides to date. As well as overcoming those obstacles, Brendan Rodgers has also overseen a surge into the top four, and barring a disaster looks to have sewn up Champions League football for next season.

First things first, however, Leicester have a cup final to win, having previously tasted defeat in all four of their final appearances in the past. Here's a look back at how they've secured their place at Wembley and who they've got to thank for being there.


Leicester's route to the final

1. FA Cup 3rd round: Stoke 0-4 Leicester

Leicester's road to Wembley got underway with a tricky looking third round tie away at Stoke City.

The bet365 has long been associated with cold, windy nights, but the only whirlwind that blew through the Potteries in January was a Leicester endorsed one.

Goals from James Justin, Marc Albrighton, Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes saw the Foxes advance surprisingly comfortably, laying down a marker for what was to come.


2. FA Cup 4th round: Brentford 1-3 Leicester

Next up was a trip to high-flying Brentford, who have ended the 2020/21 season in the Championship play-off mix.

Thomas Frank's side are highly thought of but they were put through their paces by a heavily rotated Leicester side that was still oozing with class. After falling behind, second goals from Cengiz Under, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison secured Leicester's win - and a passage to a first home tie of the competition.


3. FA Cup 5th round: Leicester 1-0 Brighton

The Premier League table may suggest Brighton have had a poor season, but Graham Potter's side have actually been exceptionally bright. Well organised, well drilled and hard to break down, their sole problem has been scoring goals.

That issue reared its head again in their fifth round tie with Leicester at King Power, as the Foxes were drawn at home for the first time. A tight cagey affair looked to be heading for extra-time until Kelechi Iheanacho snuck
in at the back post to head home a 94th minute winner.


4. FA Cup quarter-final: Leicester 3-1 Manchester United

Arguably the biggest test of Leicester's run to the final came in the quarter-finals as they were drawn against away day specialists Manchester United.

Both teams named strong lineups and competed well, but it was the clinical nature of Iheanacho and midfield craft of Tielemans that saw Leicester come out on top, earning Rodgers' side a place in the last four.


5. FA Cup semi-final: Leicester 1-0 Southampton

Leicester had lady luck on their side when the draw was made for the semi final, avoiding being drawn against Chelsea and Manchester City to instead take on relegation threatened Southampton.

It wasn't a spell binding game at Wembley but did feature the return of supporters, a welcome sight after an exceptionally difficult 12 months. On the field, Iheanacho was again the difference - slotting home at the second attempt after great play on the wing by Jamie Vardy.

Source: 90min