One of the many changes planned by Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid's LaLiga game with Espanyol on Saturday will see Kiko Casilla come up against his old club, just as Diego Lopez does the same.
The current Pericos goalkeeper is often considered the innocent figure dragged into a backroom skirmish between Jose Mourinho and Iker Casillas in 2013, holding the trust of the coach as the former custodian publicly lost his place in the side.
Despite keeping the No. 1 position into the initial period of Carlo Ancelotti's reign, the Spaniard headed out for AC Milan ahead of the 2014/15 season, eventually leaving for Espanyol after being ousted by wonderkid Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Nonetheless, Blancos fans fondly remember Lopez and a good reception at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is expected for the 35-year-old, who also played for the club between 2000 and 2007.
As for Casilla, the keeper will start on Saturday as Zidane leaves out Keylor Navas, an act largely put down as a simple rotation to allow the Costa Rican to rest after the midweek win over Napoli.
Also coming through the Real academy, Casilla left for Espanyol in 2007 and spent many productive years in Catalunya, eventually nailing down his first-team place before Los Merengues paid 6 million euros to seal his return in 2015.
In addition to getting a runout against his old club, the match represents a rare opportunity for the Alcover-native to stamp his authority amid rumours of Madrid seeking a new, high-profile signing between the sticks.
