Leicester’s chances of a quick return to the Premier League were dashed on Friday with a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City in English football’s second division Championship.
Anis Mehmeti of City scored the game’s sole goal 17 minutes from time at Ashton Gate, with a left-footed effort into the roof of the net.
Leicester lead the league for much of the season, but they have only won one of their last six Championship games, falling behind Leeds at the top of the standings.
Jamie Vardy came close to scoring for Leicester, but the former England striker, who was a key figure in the club’s dramatic Premier League victory eight years ago, was twice denied by brilliant saves from Max O’Leary.
Only the top two clubs at the end of the regular season are guaranteed promotion to the lucrative Premier League, with the remaining position in the top tier decided by a series of playoff games between the teams placing third and sixth.
Leicester remain second, level on points with leaders Leeds but just one point ahead of Ipswich.
Leeds will go to Watford, while Ipswich will visit Blackburn later on Friday.