Matuesz Klich grabbed the headlines with a brace as Leeds United beat Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon. But it was Leeds’ newest signing that won the game.
Kiko Casilla, 32, made his debut since joining from Real Madrid. Swapping the warmth of Spain for the Yorkshire fog of Rotherham’s Stadium, Casilla got to work.
He could do nothing about Rotherham’s opener, but he should have done nothing about Will Vaulks’ strike. The Millers’ skipper lined one up from 25 yards in the second half, only for Casilla to produce a near-impossible save.
Full stretch, finger-tip stuff. A truly amazing save, Casila’s footwork between launch and point of impact was immaculate. Below are normal time and slow-motion videos from the view of the fans, just so you can see how good a save it really is.
Leeds went on to win the match, going three points clear of Norwich and six of third-placed Sheffield United. They certainly have Casilla to thank.
The Spain international’s save will have delighted fans, removing any doubt that third-choice Real Madrid goalkeepers aren’t any good. But it was his reaction to Klich’s second goal that fans would have loved just as much.
https://twitter.com/Ebailey1_8/status/1089866712902758402
Casilla is expected to start – keeping Bailey Peacock-Farrell on the bench – when Leeds take on second-placed Norwich City at Elland Road on Saturday evening in front of the television cameras.