Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said his side’s mauling of Schalke in the last-16 of the Champions League last season will have no bearing on this year’s outcome.
Los Blancos saw off the German side 9-2 at the same stage in last year’s competition en route to winning the famous Decima in Lisbon. In the away leg, Carlo Ancelotti’s side won 6-1.
But speaking ahead of the game on Wednesday, Casillas said that result would have no factor on either side and he is expecting a tough match as usual against German opposition.
“It will be very difficult. The atmosphere in Germany will be very intense. They are aware that they have an opportunity to get revenge and we expect a tough game. The fact that we faced them last year does not benefit us. If anything, it gives them an advantage,” the 33-year-old told UEFA.
He continued: “It would be a mistake to think that playing in Gelsenkirchen will be easy and that we’ll repeat what happened last year. Quite the opposite: we have to be careful and go there with humility. It will be a very tough tie.”
Casillas then went on to pick out team mate Toni Kroos as a key part of the current Real side and praised the impact he has had since his arrival in the summer.
“Kroos feels very comfortable with the ball. He looks to move it, pass it quickly from right to left. He’s quick and young. He has being playing to a top level for a long time, so I think that Real Madrid were right to sign him, above all when you take into account his age. He has already shown that he can be key in the midfield.”
We are all aware that you continued playing for Real Madrid is not good. You are evil and to old, want just money and you give are enemys advantage in every game.