Casillas: "We only have to think about defeating Atletico to have a chance to win the title"

Iker Casillas is an expert derby player, earning eight victories and two draws in all his games against Atletico Madrid. The captain analysed the clash for Bwin.com.

"We must only think about winning against Atletico in order to have a chance to win the title. They are increasingly anxious to defeat us each year, but we're solid on the road. The derby will be a great match."

"Simeone has refreshed the team and it shows in their most recent games. They may have had some ups and downs in La Liga, but they are generally improving. Just look how far they've reached in the Europa League. They will be looking forward to the match because they really want to defeat Real Madrid. They have good touch on ball and know what they must do. To this you must add their drive, the fact they host the match, their crowd..."

"We obviously study our opponents. We watch and analyse games every day. We know Falcao is an extraordinary player, but he is surrounded by other great footballers. We cannot forget about Diego or Adrian. Falcao may be their standout man, but we're also aware of the supporting players he's got, who are all capable of pulling rank."

"We rarely give our rivals a chance to score in away games. We're defending as a true team and manage to keep clean sheets thanks to the job we all do. It's not just the goalkeeper. Keeping a clean sheet is vital to us and we don't want to concede strikes on the road while also scoring from the chances we get."

"There are many games left in the season and some will be very difficult, both for us and Barcelona as well. There is a long way still and a match between the leaders and the runners-up has yet to take place."

"You always want to add something to your career every year. I've said it many times: once you win a league title you want another, and so on. You think about making millions of people around the world happy. You want to have chances to win every title by the end of the season."

"I've learrned from every coach I've had. Failing to do so would be disrespecting all those I've had in my professional career and as an academy player. I've learned many things form them. When you've formed yourself as a player - as I did at the Real Madrid academy - and reach the first team, you want to showcase everything you've learned throughout your life."

Real Madrid Players visit hospital (Photo Gallery)

Casillas, Ramos and Ronaldo spend time with injured surviving quake victims

After visiting Town Hall and areas most affected by last week's earthquake, Iker Casillas, SergioRamos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Emilio Butragueño visiting injured survivors at Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia. Following a brief visit with Managing Director of Health, Maria Angeles Palacios, the Madridistas made their way from room to room to encourage the patients to stay strong.

Iker Casillas:"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world"

Iker Casillas attended a publicity event on Monday afternoon, during which he hit on two main points of interests: Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring record and UEFA's dismissal of the report concerning racial abuse by Sergio Busquets.


Cristiano Ronaldo:
"He is a decisive and influential player. Very few are capable of putting up the numbers he has. Only three players have ever done it, which speaks of the talent he possesses. There are no more team titles that we can win this year, but we can help him win an individual award. We feel it is important for him to win an award when he is so deserving of it. He is one of the best players in the world."

UEFA:(Sergio Busquets)
"If UEFA made the decision not to punish Busquets, they must know what they saw and what happened. Everyone saw it. There is no alternative."

Spanish national team:
"It was an intense 19 days with four matches that both clubs wanted to win. Anything that happened is in the past. Each team did what was in its best interest. It is normal that there be tense moments. It would be terrible if the players stopped getting along after accomplishing what we did. When we are playing together for La Roja we have the interests of all Spaniards in mind."

Champions League final:
"I hope it is football that comes out as the big winner and that fans are well-behaved and respectful of one another. The two teams have earned the right to play in the final for one reason or another."

Players believe in the comeback victory

The squad believes the team can turn the aggregate score around at Camp Nou: "Real Madrid never give up a fight"

Real Madrid have always stood out for their hard work, drive and pursuit of victory to their very last breath. The club's values go hand in hand with unbelievable comebacks and turnarounds accomplished in Europe by the team throughout its history. Jose Mourinho's side is ready to pick up from where its predecessors left off and will travel to Barcelona sure of its chances to turn things around in the Champions League semifinals. The squad and all Madridistas dream of reaching the 28 May final at Wembley.

Iker Casillas
"The names of the two teams that will play the final haven't been inscribed yet. You never know what may happen. We will play in Barcelona knowing a final is set to take place in a month and that any of the four teams still in the championship may be in it."

Sergio Ramos
 "We are in a complicated spot in this tie, but we'll have to go for it at Camp Nou. We're hopeful. We will try to do a good job and look for a victory."

Higuain

"We have a great chance in the Champions League and we will fight to the death. What matters is that we stick together to reach the final we are all so excited about. We're good enough to win the tie, so we will try our best. We must be proud and humble. The fact that Barça defeated us in Madrid means we can also defeat them in Barcelona."

Kaka
"We expect to play a great game. We have faith. Real Madrid can never give up a fight."



 Jorge Valdano, Director General
"Madridismo always believes in comebacks. If there was just one team that had the habit of being heroic, it would be Real Madrid. Nothing should deprive us of feeling hope and excitement for Tuesday's match."

Iker Casillas interview after Copa del Rey Final

Iker Casillas hoisted the famous trophy at the Mestalla and the Madrid captain was jubilant after the full-time whistle.

Speaking to the reporters after lifting the trophy, he said: "Today, we have suffered badly, but we have won a trophy that's coveted by all Madrid fans.

"We thank them for their support and we can repay them now that we have finally won a trophy. I am very happy."

The shot-stopper didn't waste time looking forward to the two more Clasico showdowns against Barcelona as he praised Jose Mourinho.

“Our mentality has been changed. Mou is a phenomenon. We know that the league is complicated but we must always fight for everything.

“Now we have a Champions League semi-final to look forward to.”

Real Madrid Copa Del Rey Ceremony Pictures Photo Gallery