Casillas out for revenge

By Brian Brownstein

Revenge is the only thing on Iker Casillas's mind as he prepares for Real Madrid CF's epic contest with Juventus FC in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Turin memories
Madrid travel to Turin with a 1-0 lead after Iván Helguera's first-half header at the Santiago Bernabéu two weeks ago, yet Casillas is more concerned about the last time the Spanish giants faced 'the Old Lady' on their home patch.

Lessons learnt
Despite holding a 2-1 first-leg lead in their Champions League semi-final in 2003, Madrid were dumped out of the competition after losing 3-1 at the Stadio Delli Alpi. The young goalkeeper is determined it will not happen again.

'Italian nightmare'
"Revenge is definitely on our minds ahead of this game," Casillas told uefa.com. "It is difficult for any of us to forget what happened when they beat us in the semi-final in 2003. It was a nightmare.

'Balanced game'
"I'd like to think our team has learned lessons from that defeat," he added. "We now know we have to work at 100 per cent all of the time and never relax whether it's in defence or in attack. We plan to play a balanced game and take advantage of any opportunities that come our way."

Nedved out
The young goalkeeper's confidence is boosted by the news that former European Footballer of the Year Pavel Nedved will be absent for Juventus due to a head injury he picked up in the Spanish capital. The 23-year-old, however, is fully aware Juventus have other players who will make life more than difficult on Wednesday night.

'Individual talent'
He said: "Juventus have a great team, with some tremendous individual players. Thankfully Pavel Nedved, the player I rate the most, will be missing from this match. On the other hand they still have Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is a magnificent, determined striker and of course a great keeper in Gianluigi Buffon who is top, top quality."

'Really difficult'
He added: "Therefore, we can't afford to go to Turin thinking we have done all the hard work already and that we have made the quarter-finals. It is still going to be really difficult to go through."

Revamped defence
Madrid have tightened up in defence since Vanderlei Luxemburgo took over as coach in December, and Casillas credits him with turning things around at the Bernabéu. Madrid have conceded just 12 goals since the former Brazil coach arrived and Casillas believes he has enhanced their chances of success in Turin.

Clean sheet
"It was pleasing to keep a clean sheet in the first leg because our defence has been questioned in recent seasons," he said. "I believe that this club has some superb defensive players, and we have fixed the problem of leaking unnecessary goals under Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Big impact
"Even though Juventus are a good team, I think they will find Madrid in a good period. The new coach has got a settled starting lineup and everyone can see his results have been impressive. His impact has been excellent and we all feel Madrid are in a positive situation right now. We will return to Turin this week confident we will win this tie."