Conte hails performances of Spain duo after Leicester City win

Antonio Conte has hailed the performances of Spain duo Alvaro Morata and Pedro after his side’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City at the weekend.

Chelsea overcame Claude Puel’s men 2-1 in a thrilling 120 minutes of football at the King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon – with Morata and Pedro grabbing the Blues’ goals on the day.

Morata, who hadn’t scored for Chelsea since Boxing Day last year, opened the scoring with a composed finish after being fed through on goal by Willian on the stroke of half-time.

Jamie Vardy equalised for the hosts with fifteen minutes to play to take the tie to extra-time, before Pedro scored what proved to be the winner after 105 minutes with a rare header.

And following the display, Conte has praised the performance of the Spain duo.

“For a striker it’s very important to score,” said Conte of Morata, “At the same time, I am very pleased with his overall performance. He played a good game and showed great character and strength. This goal will be very important for the future.”

When asked about Pedro’s goal, the Italian continued: “He scored a header here last season too! It’s great for him and the team. Pedro is another player who is putting everything in at every moment, if he starts or comes on. I am very happy for him.”

Chelsea travel to Wembley to take on Southampton in the semi-finals, with the winner set to meet either Manchester United or Tottenham in the final in May.