The toughest game of the campaign on paper became harder still when the Owls conceded an early goal against league leaders Leicester.
Abdul Fatawu scored after just four minutes to give Wednesday a steeper mountain to climb at the King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy made it 2-0 before the break in a strong first half showing from the Foxes, who are fast closing in on an immediate return to the top flight.
But Wednesday can take positives from their second half display and manager Danny Röhl gave praise for his side’s reaction.
He said: “I think the second half we showed a lot more of what we want.
“We spoke at half time about wanting to take something from the second half, we changed the shape to a back five.
“This worked a little bit better for us.
“But if you make an early mistake against a strong side, then it is always difficult.
“After the first goal our reaction was much, much better than it has been in the past when we have dropped down and conceded a lot of goals, it was better today.
“I think we did well in the second half and seeing our supporters after the game – they showed us that they recognised our performance in the second half – this is a positive thing we have to take.
“We showed in the second half what we can do if we play more on the front foot and believe, keep the ball.
“At the end we have a big chance with Pol and if you get the one goal, then you can go and try something which is always the belief we have.
“To take something from a game like this you need 90 minutes and more, but today it was only 45 minutes.
“I know the challenge coming here but I always want to take something and for me that’s what I always try.
“When I compare the second half here to the second half at Southampton, it was a better reaction and improvement and this is what we will take.”