No one has challenged Casillas as the the starting keeper of the First Team since 1999/00, and at the age of 26 he is one of the squad’s most experienced players and the team’s fourth captain. The press hailed him as one of the “Heroes of Glasgow” after he stepped in for an injured César in the second half of the 2002 Champions League Final against Bayer Leverkusen only to make three brilliant saves in the waning minutes of the match. A few days later he was called up by Spanish national team, and an untimely injury suffered by Cañizares days before the World Cup in Japan and Korea gave Iker the starting role between the posts. He’s been the number one keeper for Real Madrid and Spain every since.

Agile, quick, intelligent, and nearly unbeatable, Casillas is well on his way to becoming the best active goalkeeper in the world.

Many consider Iker Casillas to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but if anyone has their doubts, he’s definitely among the top three. At the age of 26 he’s won more titles and accolades than most players win throughout their careers. Not only is Iker a great person on the pitch, he’s got one of the biggest hearts off it and always makes himself available to lend a helping hand.

Casillas is quite superstitious, and whenever one his teammates scores, he has to touch the crossbar of his own goal. Two things he misses most since becoming a household name are visiting the local amusement park and traveling on the city’s subway, and he’s been quoted as saying that he’d like to be President of Real Madrid at some point down the road.

Real Madrid youth system (1990-1999)
Real Madrid (1999-present)
La Liga debut: 12 September 1999
Match: Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid debut: 12 September 1999
Match: Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Real Madrid
International for Spain

Raúl was back in the lineup on Sunday and Wesley Sneijder returned to the bench -only two months after being injured- for Sunday’s seven-match closer against Espanyol. Rotations have played a key role in Real Madrid’s impressive record of six victories and one draw record.

Moments after Pérez Burrull blew the opening whistle, Real Madrid brought fans to their feet as Van Nistelrooy magically controlled the ball and passed to an unmarked Higuaín, who was unsuccessful with a powerful volley (3’). Schuster’s men created another opportunity six minutes later when Raúl’s header following a cross by Segio Ramos sailed just wide of Espanyol’s left post (9’).

Although Real Madrid dictated the tempo, their near misses were neutralized by a goal by the Catalonian captain. The referee pointed conceded a penalty after Heinze tackled Tamudo just outside the six and the forward converted for his first goal in the Santiago Bernabéu (20’). The Whites quickly picked up the pieces, and three minutes after falling behind, Ramos crossed in a wicked ball that Raúl headed home with authority (23’).

Espanyol weren’t going to settle for a draw, and with De La Peña in fine form, the “Pericos” gained control of the midfield. They didn’t wait long for their reward. Nene received a stolen ball from the midfield and swung in a pass from the right flank which Luis García, who pushed the ball into the back of the net (30’). “Tintín” Márquez’s men again held the advantage and Madrid were forced to stage a comeback.

Raúl equalizes
Corage, motivation, and persistance are what make this Real Madrid great. Down a goal, the Madridistas had no choice but to attack Kameni’s goal, but not before Espanyol nearly tapped in their third. No team has won in the Bernabéu since 23 March 2007, however, which is the exact reason why the Whites headed into the dressing room with the score squared at two goals apiece. Ramos again put in a perfect cross for the captain, who dribbled through two defenders and beat Kameni for his fourth La Liga goal and his second of the night.

From the first third to the last and back, Real Madrid and Espanyol tried to break the deadlock. After replacing Van der Vaart after halftime, it was Robben who created the first two chances for the Whites. The first didn’t get passed the defense (46’) and the second was nearly fired home by Van Nistelrooy’s bicycle kick (47’). Minutes later, De la Red had an unsuccessful try from long range(58’).

Ramos’ provided the biggest threat of the second half. The Seville native sought his Higuaín with a long pass and the Argentine found Van Nistelrooy at the penalty spot, but the striker’s shot went straight into the hands of Kameni (65’). Five minutes later, Ramos made his way into the box, and after two step-overs fired a bullet over the crossbar (70’).

Welcome back Wesley
Wesley Sneijder was back on the pitch two months and three days after falling injured in Emirates Stadium in London. Eager to get in on the action, the midfielder did all he could to help carry his team to victory, but every Madridista effort was pushed back by the Espanyol defense.

Real Madrid notched six victories and one draw heading into the league stoppage, but next on tap for the Whites, a derby against cross-town rival Atletico Madrid.