Leicester City took a significant step toward securing their Women's Super League (WSL) status with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the King Power Stadium.
Amandine Miquel's side started the match just three points clear of the relegation zone, but a clinical first-half performance saw them secure their first league win since mid-February.
The result now puts Leicester six points ahead of bottom-placed Crystal Palace, with just five matches left to play.
Fast Start Sets the Tone for Leicester
Leicester wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 11th minute when Shannon O'Brien capitalized on a Brighton mistake, firing a precise low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Brighton's defensive errors continued, allowing Hannah Cain to charge down the right and deliver a perfect pass to Saori Takarada, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Just before the break, a third goal arrived in fortunate fashion.
Shana Chossenotte's low cross met Cain, whose touch deflected off Brighton defender Rachel McLaughlan for an own goal. At halftime, Leicester were cruising with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Brighton Fight Back but Fall Short
Despite Leicester's dominance, Brighton began to mount a comeback in the final 20 minutes.
Madison Haley's long-range strike beat Janina Leitzig, reducing the deficit to 3-1 in the 73rd minute.
Shortly after, Leicester had a chance to regain their three-goal cushion when Yuka Momiki stepped up for a penalty.
However, Brighton keeper Melina Loeck guessed correctly, denying Momiki's effort.
Minutes later, Momiki's foul on Nikita Parris handed Brighton a penalty, which Fran Kirby confidently converted, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finale.
Leicester managed to hold on for the win, thanks in part to late defensive substitutions from Miquel, who introduced CJ Bott and Nelly Lasova to provide stability.
Leicester Edge Unexpected Thriller
Before this match, Leicester had scored just 10 goals in 16 league games, holding the worst attacking record in the WSL.
However, their defense had been solid, conceding only 24 goals — the best record outside the top four.
This match defied expectations, delivering five goals, two penalties, and nearly 10 minutes of added time.
Despite a shaky ending, Leicester's overall performance was a testament to their growing resilience.
They capitalized on Brighton's mistakes, looked threatening on the counterattack, and scored three goals in a league match for only the second time this season.
The Foxes have now scored 10 goals in seven matches in 2025 — a significant improvement from their early-season struggles.
They also extended their unbeaten run at home to four games.
With Tottenham, currently on a five-game losing streak, up next, Leicester have a crucial opportunity to further distance themselves from the relegation battle.
Miquel Calls for Greater Support for Women's Football
Reflecting on Leicester's home form, Miquel praised the club for hosting all their women's matches at the King Power Stadium and called on other clubs to do the same.
"If every club played in a proper stadium like this, maybe more people would come instead of watching games at training grounds," Miquel said.
"The next step for the women's game is to have proper stadiums and keep growing attendances.
Today's game was exciting, full of emotion, and that's why people come to watch football — to feel something."
With momentum on their side, Leicester can now look forward to their next match, knowing they have a solid chance of securing WSL safety.