In an emotionally charged afternoon at the King Power Stadium, Leicester City delivered a fitting send-off for their legendary striker Jamie Vardy, securing a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town in their penultimate Premier League match of the 2024-25 season on May 18, 2025. The result, marked by goals from Vardy and Kasey McAteer, saw Leicester climb to 18th in the Premier League standings, overtaking Ipswich, who slipped to 19th. Despite both teams already relegated to the Championship, the match carried significant weight as it marked Vardy’s 500th appearance and final home game for the Foxes, culminating in his landmark 200th goal for the club.
The game began with Ipswich showing early intent, as their full-back Leif Davis struck the post in the opening stages, hinting at the attacking threat they would pose throughout. Leicester, however, settled into the contest and took the lead in the 28th minute. A precise through ball from James Justin found Vardy, who, with the composure of a seasoned veteran, slotted the ball past Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer to ignite the home crowd. The goal, Vardy’s 200th for Leicester, was a poignant moment, celebrated with a roar that echoed the striker’s storied 13-year tenure with the club.
Ipswich, under Kieran McKenna, responded with vigor, dominating possession and creating chances. Omari Hutchinson fired over the bar from a promising position before the break, and the Tractor Boys continued to press in the second half. Despite their 20 shots compared to Leicester’s nine, Ipswich struggled to convert, managing only two efforts on target. Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk remained resolute, while the Foxes’ defense, marshaled by Wout Faes and Conor Coady, held firm against relentless pressure.
The turning point came in the 69th minute when Kasey McAteer doubled Leicester’s lead. Wilfred Ndidi’s incisive pass found McAteer, who cut inside and rifled a shot into the net, securing a cushion that Ipswich could not overcome. The visitors’ frustration was compounded when Davis had a goal disallowed for offside late in the game, a decision confirmed by VAR, leaving them without a consolation.
Leicester’s victory was a rare bright spot in a dismal campaign, marking their first back-to-back Premier League home wins since May 2022. For manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, the result offered a glimmer of hope as he prepares to lead the Foxes in the Championship next season, though his future remains uncertain. The Dutchman praised Vardy’s mentality, noting his focus on winning rather than personal milestones, despite the emotional weight of the occasion.
Ipswich, meanwhile, rued their missed opportunities. Despite generating an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.56 compared to Leicester’s 0.70, their lack of clinical finishing underscored a season-long struggle that has seen them win just four league games. McKenna, who has faced Leicester three times without a victory, will look to regroup as his side prepares to host West Ham on the final day.