Much had been said abouy Iker Casillas playing for a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage against former boss-turned-foe José Mourinho, and in the end, the Portuguese manager was lucky enought to earn his money against Porto.
The Blues proved they can still be considered as title contenders in the European tournament, putting up a solid performance against the Dragons, who will have to play the UEFA Europa League in February. An own goal by Ivan Marcano and a right-footed missile by Willian sent the reigning Premier League champions into the knockout stage, much to Casillas' dismay, who will not be participating in the tournament's late rounds for the first time ever.
It wasn't an easy night for the Spanish goalkeeper, as he got into an argument with compatriot Diego Costa. The Brazilian-born striker tackled Iker just when he had collected the ball inside his box, making it unnecessary to hit him. Casillas voiced his thoughts against Costa, who had to be held back.
Casillas would have knocked him out https://t.co/9Z1imBmuOc
— Bateson (@bateson87) December 9, 2015
Later in the game, with two goals already on the scoreboard for Chelsea, fans started chanting José Mourinho's name, something that may have upset Casillas a bit more.
2-0. 'Jose Mourinho' in full voice at Stamford Bridge. Casillas must be enjoying this.
— Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) December 9, 2015
Wonder how much Casillas loves hearing "Jose Mourinho" ringing from the stands.
— Hazardinho (@NoHazardNoParty) December 9, 2015
Of course, fans did not overlook the issue, and took a crack at Casillas thanks to the Special One. Here are some of their thoughts.
CHL 2-0 POR (FT) -Casillas is knocked out of UCL Group Stages for the 1st time in his career. UEL for Porto, only club title he doesn't have
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) December 9, 2015
"Mourinho eliminating Casillas from the Champions League. Poetic justice?"
Mourinho dejando a Casillas fuera de la Champions. Justicia poética (?)
— Brais RCCV (@BraisGarcia10) December 9, 2015
"Casillas eliminated from the CL by Mourinho. Tell me if that isn't the biggest blow against the Spanish press ever"
Casillas eliminado de la Champions frente a Mourinho, decidme si no es el mejor aplauso en la cara que le han dado a la prensa española
— Balvin (@Claustress_) December 9, 2015
"I'll love to say this Madrid fans: Mourinho was right! Casillas' gig is done"
ME ENCANTA DECIRLO MADRIDISTAS: MOURINHO TENÍA RAZÓN... CASILLAS FINIQUITADO.
— Amb B de BARÇA (@pilotaipunt) December 9, 2015
"My heart goes to all of those who thought Casillas was going to eliminate Mourinho from his tournament."
Ánimo a todas las personas que se pensaban que casillas iba a eliminar a mou de su competición
— kike olmos (@quiquemaxomen) December 9, 2015
"To be honest, Mourinho has always left Casillas out..."
En realidad siempre Mourinho ha dejado fuera a Casillas...
— [∆|o] (@ElenaCamacho_15) December 9, 2015