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30 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORTS FOOTBALL AN emotional day at the King Power Stadium saw Leicester City held by Burnley, in the hosts' first home match since their owner died. Leicester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Burnley on an emotional return to action at the King Power Stadium for the first time since chairman and owner Vichai Srivaddhanap- rabha died in a helicopter crash near the ground two weeks ago. Fans and players alike paid tribute before the match to Srivaddhanaprabha and the four others who lost their lives on October 27th, but Leices- ter were unable to claim the points. It certainly was not for a lack of trying, as the home side controlled most of the match and crafted some good chances, but Rachid Ghezzal was denied by the crossbar and Joe Hart impressed in the Burnley goal. Claude Puel's men generally dominated the second period as well, yet Burnley – who had lost three straight games – made a marked improvement and left with a much-needed point. Leicester looked up for the occasion early on and went desperately close to the opener in the 15th minute, but Matt Lowton blocked Jamie Vardy's goal-bound effort on the line. The frame of the goal then came to Burnley's rescue soon after, denying Ghezzal's stoop- ing header from a pin-point Marc Albrighton cross. Demarai Gray was the next to go close – Hart brilliantly thwarting the winger in a one- on-one situation just prior to the half-hour mark. Leicester looked bright again at the start of the second half, but Albrighton shot straight at Hart from about 12 yards. Burnley should have capital- ised on Leicester's profligacy 17 minutes from the end when former Leicester striker Chris Wood sliced a volley over in- side the penalty area. Leicester's late surges lacked direction, and in the end Burn- ley had little difficulty holding on. Foxes held on emotional return to King Power Stadium JUVENTUS were handed a rare de- feat at home to Manchester United on Wednesday, but Massimiliano Allegri's focus is on the future. Massimiliano Allegri has called on Ju- ventus to bounce back swiftly from their first defeat of the season as they prepare to face AC Milan. The Bianconeri were beaten for the first time since April as Manchester United scored two late goals to turn a dramatic Champions League contest on its head. Yet head coach Allegri is keen not to spend too much time mulling over the loss, with another crunch clash against old foes Milan in Serie A. "We have to keep doing what we are already doing," Allegri told a pre-match news conference. "We were upset on Wednesday as we are not used to losing, it had not happened since April. "But we lost a game that might be less important in terms of the group and now it is Milan against Juventus. Every once in a while, a step backwards can help you move two forward. "They are always balanced matches [against Milan] and San Siro will push the Rossoneri on. It will be a technical and physical match, with Milan in great form." Gonzalo Higuain left Juventus for Mi- lan in the close-season and Allegri, while a great admirer of the Argentina inter- national, has no regrets. "Higuain is a player who has given so much to Juventus, who was so decisive in our victories," he said. "Decisions were made on both sides and Milan made a great signing. He is one of the best strikers in the world." Allegri is now hopeful a change of ap- proach will see Cristiano Ronaldo thrive in Higuain's absence. The coach added: "This year we have scored less goals but conceded less. We are only in November; there are still sev- en months until the end of the season but we are on the right track. "It will be nice to see Higuain again - he was important for us - but we have Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the best strik- er in the world. We have to work to his strengths." Allegri and Juventus eager to put Man Utd defeat behind them Massimiliano Allegri