It has undoubtedly been a difficult period in Iker Casillas’ career in recent times as the Spanish international has faced fierce criticism for his performances for both club and country.
After a problematic campaign with Madrid last year, his displays at the World Cup potentially spelt the end of his reign at the top. However, despite the signing of Keylor Navas this past summer, the 33-year-old has made the No.1 jersey his own again.
Having saved a spot-kick at the weekend in the 4-1 win over Almeria, Casillas was back in the limelight again on Tuesday night as he produced a crucial penalty save just before half-time against Cruz Azul.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that it was a key moment in the game, while Casillas himself was delighted as it prevented their opponents from building momentum heading into the second period.
The goalkeeper’s heroics against Almeria were just as important, and in both games Los Blancos were able to go on and extend their lead to secure comfortable victories.
Despite all the vitriol that Casillas has faced over the past year or so, he has remained professional throughout and has conceded just 11 goals in his 13 appearances in La Liga this season.
As he closes in on 700 appearances for the club, it is a testament to his longevity and ability to bounce back from adversity that he could end up with yet another trophy come Saturday. However, such is his level of humility that he puts his recent success down to the team as a whole.
"Once again the team were great. We had a great game, and although it may seem that the 4-0 was easy, the truth is that at the beginning and end of the first half, Cruz Azul had chances," he said after the game.
“The truth is I'm happy and contented, and much of this is because of the group dynamics. The collective is very good.”
While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos continue to receive the bulk share of headlines and praise in the media this season, Casillas continues to quietly go about his business and help the team achieve further success.
Madrid’s goal-scoring exploits are certainly impressive, but their ability to combine that with a solid base on which to build is a tribute to the work done by the coaching staff, but also to the players in the side that remain a composed and organised unit.
In order to be successful, teams of the stature of Madrid need leaders and symbols of the club running through the entire team. Casillas is an important part of their history and he remains an integral part of their present, and the hope is that the Spaniard can extend his good form in order to help Ancelotti make more history with the Spanish giants in the coming months.
