Burton Albion beat Leicester City 2-1 in League One on Saturday 22 August, picking up three points in a match that Radio Derby's post-game panel described as one where "Burton didn't have much of the ball, but they were in control."
Controlled without the ball
It is a familiar paradox in the third tier: the side with less possession can still dictate the terms. That was the story at Leicester on Saturday. Burton sat deep, stayed compact and made their moments count, while Leicester had plenty of the ball but struggled to turn that into clear-cut chances.
The Brewers went ahead twice in the contest, and even after Leicester pulled a goal back, Burton held firm to secure all three points. According to the Radio Derby discussion with Andrew Strachan, Darren Robinson and Dave Fletcher, the visitors were the more disciplined and organised side across the 90 minutes, which was reflected in the scoreline.
Bowyer's side responds
The win is a significant moment for Burton. Manager Lee Bowyer had spoken openly about a squad crisis ahead of the season opener, and the Brewers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stevenage in their first outing. Back-to-back dropped points would have heaped early pressure on the club, but instead Burton have bounced back with a result that will settle nerves at the Pirelli Stadium.
Recent signings will have played their part in building squad depth. Burton brought in Fulham defender Araujo, MK Dons loanee Collar, Utrecht defender Adiele on loan, and have bid for Kilmarnock defender Stanger in what has been a busy summer window. That investment in the defensive unit appears to be paying early dividends: limiting Leicester to one goal despite conceding the run of play is no small feat.
A difficult afternoon for Leicester
For Leicester, this was another early stumble in what is shaping up to be a difficult adjustment to third-tier football. They drew on the opening day against Notts County, then were held again by Hull at home before this defeat. Three results from their first three home and away fixtures that have returned just two points will concern those at the King Power Stadium.
Will Alves caught the eye for Leicester in their League One opener, and the club has the squad depth to find better form. But Saturday underlined that opponents will not be intimidated by the name or the size of the club. Burton came here, kept the ball when it mattered, and left with the points.
What it means for the table
It is very early in the League One season, but results like this one shape momentum. Burton will take confidence from defeating one of the division's most high-profile clubs. Bowyer has spoken of needing help top to bottom in his squad, and while there is still work to do in the transfer market before the window closes, the performance and result against Leicester suggest his side already has the defensive organisation to compete at this level.
Leicester, meanwhile, must quickly find consistency. With Bromley, Notts County and others raising their game against the former Premier League club, every point in these opening weeks carries extra weight. Saturday's loss is a reminder that reputation counts for nothing come kick-off in League One.
Frequently asked
- What was the score when Burton Albion beat Leicester City?
- Burton Albion won 2-1 against Leicester City in a League One match played on 22 August 2026.
- How are Burton Albion doing in League One this season?
- After a 1-1 draw against Stevenage on the opening day, Burton bounced back with a 2-1 win over Leicester City, picking up their first three points of the 2026/27 League One campaign.
- How are Leicester City getting on in League One?
- Leicester have struggled for consistency early in the season, drawing their opening day fixture against Notts County and being held by Hull at home before losing 2-1 to Burton Albion.