Casillas has lost no sharpness Iker Casillas may have been reduced to spectator for the 270 La Liga minutes that spanned Real Madrids previous meeting with Juventus, but he at least appears to be working hard in training. In a first half that the Bianconeri dominated, Casillas was called upon twice to maintain equilibrium, as an experienced defence in front of him wobbled with each wave of attack. First to test Casillas mettle was one of his own -- Pepe -- who shanked a low Paul Pogba centre toward his own goal from just outside the 6-yard box, forcing his goalkeeper to spring to his left to repel the ball brilliantly. Soon after, Real creaked again as Carlos Tevezs whipped cross found Claudio Marchisio at the far post. His powerful, downward header looked destined for the net before Casillas flicked out a right leg to send the ball spearing out of the penalty area. Casillas had little chance with the penalty that Arturo Vidal arrowed toward the top corner, and flapped at a high, looping ball in the first half, but was called upon again in the second half. He got a vital touch as Pogbas cross fell at the feet of Tevez, but was powerless to prevent Juves equaliser, as Fernando Llorente nodded home from close range, the blame for which lay firmly at Raphael Varanes door. However, on this evidence, it is too early to be penning any obituaries for Casillas, who remains one of the worlds pre- eminent shot stoppers.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 07:39:54 +0000