Tiko: First Goalscorer at King Power Stadium

Twenty years ago today, Athletic Club's Roberto 'Tiko' Martinez became the first ever player to score at Leicester City's King Power Stadium, doing so in the ground's inaugural match, a 1-1 draw between the Foxes and the Lions.

The King Power - then called Walkers Stadium - was officially opened on July 23, 2002. Former Foxes striker Gary Lineker, ex-FC Barcelona and England striker, using giant scissors to cut the ribbon after arriving at the stadium in a lorry.

Athletic, led by Jupp Heynckes, had just started a pre-season tour of England, having faced Blackpool FC at Bloomfield Road two days before the inaugural fixture in Leicester. By time the Lions came back to Bilbao, they had also taken on Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers and Everton FC.

For the opening match at the Foxes' new stadium, Athletic put out a strong line-up: Aranzubia; Larrainzar, Murillo, Aitor Ocio, Larrazabal; Urrutia, Orbaiz, Tiko; Arriaga, Javi González and Aduriz (with Alaña, David Karanka and Carlos Merino comng on in the second half).

Things did not start well for Los Rojiblancos. A young Aritz Aduriz, in only his second ever first-team appearance, received a straight red card in the 27th minute for elbowing defender and captain Matt Elliott in the head. 

After the restart, Tiko netted the first goal in the history of the King Power Stadium with a brilliant free-kick. On the stroke of full-time, left-footed winger Jordan Stewart got an equaliser to make it 1-1.

According to reports, approximately 24,000 fans turned up for the opening fixture at Leicester City's new home. An official attendance figure could not be recorded due to a computer problem. 

The Foxes' then manager, Micky Adams, declared on the club's official website that he was "delighted" to face "illustrious opponents" such as Athletic at the new stadium.

Leicester went on to win promotion to the Premier League after finishing second in Division One in 2002/03, only losing two home games all season.

The East Midlands outfit have made more history since moving to the King Power Stadium, their Premier League winning season of 2015/16, a first Champions League campaign and the 2020/21 FA Cup triumph standing out amongst recent achievements.

*Photos courtesy of AC Museum