Leicester City's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday night.

In a repeat of the FA Cup final match-up just three days earlier, it was the hosts who controlled the game and thoroughly deserved the victory in front of 8000 supporters at Stamford Bridge.

Timo Werner had two goals ruled out in the first half - one for an offside and another for a handball - whilst there was also controversy as Mike Dean failed to spot a foul from Youri Tielemans on the striker inside the box, instead giving a free-kick to the Foxes.

Antonio Rudiger finally opened the scoring from a corner shortly after the break before Jorginho's penalty made sure of the win after Wesley Fofana's tackle on Werner.

Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back for Leicester whilst Ayoze Perez squandered a golden chance to equalise in the closing stages of the game.

Following the defeat, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media on the loss in West London and the prospect of finishing in the top four going down to the final day of the season once again.

On the performance 

Following the highs of winning a first FA Cup at the weekend, the full-time whistle at Stamford Bridge brought Leicester back down to reality as they now try to avoid finishing outside the top four for the second season running.

Thomas Tuchel's side were out for revenge and responded in stylish fashion. Attacking the game from minute one and with the backing of the home faithful, it seemed only a matter of time before Chelsea would score.

The Foxes struggled to cope with the relentless pressure and Leicester boss Rodgers admitted that his side were expecting a response from the hosts and that they were simply not good enough on the night.

"We knew it would be tough after the weekend and we'd have to weather a storm. We could have been better with the ball, we're disappointed with the goals."

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On the final day of the season

Once again for Leicester it will go down to the wire as to whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.

The defeat in West London leaves the Foxes three points clear of closest challengers Liverpool in fifth place, however, Jurgen Klopp's side have a game in hand.

Should the Reds beat Burnley on Wednesdy, Leicester will find themselves in fifth place and needing to beat Tottenham Hotspur on the final day and hope Liverpool drop points to finish in the top four.

Despite the potential disappointment of missing out on Europe's elite competition in back-to-back seasons, Rodgers is remaining calm and focusing only on what his side needs to do and not other results.

"It was always going to be" said Rodgers.

"I’ve said all along we’ll see where we’re at after 38 games. We’ll recover after tonight, all we can do is get three points at the weekend and see what happens."

On the return of fans 

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Sunday's final game will see supporters return to the King Power Stadium for the first time since March 2020.

The Foxes have already played in front of 6000 of their fans at Wembley Stadium but will receive an official homecoming on what is the biggest game of Leicester's Premier League campaign.

With a win vital to Leicester's top-four hopes, Rodgers believes his side has what it takes to cope with the pressure and that the return of fans will be a timely boost to his side.

"We know we can win big games, we’ve done it all season. It will be great to have our supporters in, the Chelsea supporters were great for their team tonight and it’ll be great to have 8,000 in on Sunday."

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