Ipswich Town progressed to the Carabao Cup third round with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Portman Road on Tuesday. Marcelino Nunez was the hero with two second-half goals, the second a remarkable 50-yard lob that sealed the win.
This success builds on a strong platform for the club, which finished second in the Championship last season with 75 points from 41 games. Their recent form reads LWWDW, and they scored 71 goals while conceding 42 across the 2025 campaign. The result also marks back-to-back wins for Gary O'Neil's side as they prepare for a trip to Manchester United this Sunday.
How did Ipswich overcome Leicester?
The first half was goalless despite an early scare for the visitors, with Chuba Akpom missing a chance for Ipswich inside the opening minute. Leicester's goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk also made a fine save to deny Dara O'Shea. The deadlock was broken just after the hour mark. Akpom played in Jack Clarke, who squared the ball for Sindre Walle Egeli to score from close range in the 62nd minute.
Leicester responded quickly. A Louis Page corner was flicked on by Bobby De Cordova-Reid and touched in by 19-year-old Olabade Aluko for his first professional goal. Parity lasted only four minutes. Marcelino Nunez restored Ipswich's lead in the 71st minute, firing home via the post after Woyo Coulibaly gave possession away. Before Nunez's decisive second, Akpom had squandered a one-on-one opportunity.
What made Nunez's performance special?
Nunez, the Chile international and former Norwich City midfielder, had not scored at Portman Road since his move last summer. He changed that emphatically. His first goal was a precise finish, but his second in the 91st minute was extraordinary. Spotting goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk off his line, Nunez launched a lob from the centre circle that sailed into the net.
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil joked about the decision. "I didn't think it was the best decision to be honest!" O'Neil said, as reported by Sky Sports Football. "Neither did Chuba (Akpom) or Sindre who were clean through on goal, but as long as you can put it in the goal no one can argue, so good decision in the end!"
What does this mean for both managers?
The match was a reunion for two former Norwich teammates, with O'Neil getting the better of Leicester boss Russell Martin. Martin is under pressure after his side lost to Burton Albion in League One, a result that drew boos from travelling fans. He remained defiant after this cup exit. "The players were amazing and I loved it," Martin said. "I loved the performance. We were unlucky to lose and definitely unlucky to lose 3-1."
For O'Neil, the win provides momentum. Reaching this stage is an achievement, as it's only the second time in 11 seasons Ipswich have made the Carabao Cup third round. You can view the club's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and check the latest player availability via our injuries hub.
Where does Ipswich go from here?
The immediate focus shifts to a Premier League test at Old Trafford. It's a reminder of how fortunes change, as this fixture against Leicester was a top-flight encounter just 15 months ago. The Championship season is yet to begin, but the team's final standing of second place last term, finishing 11 points behind leaders Coventry, shows the level they aim to reclaim. This cup run offers valuable game time and confidence. Supporters can track the squad's progress and statistics on our dedicated stats page as the new season approaches.
