In an ageing stadium about to make way for a modern version, Leicester's manager and stand-in captain looked to the past as well as the future.
Craig Shakespeare was forced to address questions about his relationship with Claudio Ranieri after the man who led Leicester's last Champions League fixture in Spain suggested 'somebody behind' him may have been guilty of betrayal over his sacking.
Kasper Schmeichel, in possession of the armband through Wes Morgan's injury, reflected on days spent playing in League Two as well as Leicester's last controversial meeting with Atletico Madrid 20 years ago.
Both spoke with conviction about upsetting the odds like they have done before by leaving the Vicente Calderon with a result that could lead to progression to the Champions League semi-finals back at the King Power Stadium.