Leicester City faced off against Karpaty Lviv in a friendly match at the Sportzentrum Friedberg on 25 July 2025, with the Foxes emerging victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, showcasing a competitive spirit from both sides as they prepared for the upcoming season.
Leicester City adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed for a solid defensive base while providing ample support for their attacking players. Stevie Bausor took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Hamza Choudhury on the right, Caleb Okoli and Wout Faes as central defenders, and Luke Thomas on the left. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumaré operated as central midfielders, tasked with controlling the tempo and linking defence with attack. The attacking trio featured Jake Evans on the right, Bilal El Khannouss in the central role, and Will Alves on the left, all supporting striker Patson Daka, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Leicester included Ben Nelson, Wanya Marçal, Silko Thomas, Woyo Coulibaly, and Jayden Joseph, providing depth and options for tactical adjustments throughout the match.
The first half saw both teams probing for openings, but it was Leicester who seemed to settle into the rhythm of the game more comfortably. However, the deadlock was broken shortly after the interval when Karpaty Lviv struck first. Just three minutes into the second half, a well-taken direct free-kick from the opposition found the back of the net, putting Leicester on the back foot as they trailed 1-0.
Responding quickly to the setback, Leicester City earned a penalty just two minutes later. Patson Daka stepped up and confidently slotted the ball home with his right foot, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting Leicester's hopes of victory.
As the match progressed, Leicester made a series of substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing on Ben Nelson for Caleb Okoli, Wanya Marçal for Will Alves, and Silko Thomas for Jake Evans. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the side and maintain their attacking momentum.
In the 73rd minute, Leicester took the lead for the first time in the match. Patson Daka, who had already equalised, scored again, this time with a well-placed left-footed shot inside the box after receiving a short pass from Bilal El Khannouss. This goal not only highlighted Daka's clinical finishing but also showcased the effective interplay between the Leicester forwards.
Leicester continued to make tactical adjustments, introducing Woyo Coulibaly for Hamza Choudhury and Jayden Joseph for Luke Thomas in the 74th minute. These substitutions were aimed at solidifying their lead and ensuring a robust defensive performance as the match drew to a close.
Despite a spirited effort from Karpaty Lviv, Leicester City held firm to secure a 2-1 victory. Patson Daka's standout performance, with two goals to his name, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match. The Foxes will take plenty of positives from this encounter as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
