Real Madrid's Iker Casillas: I congratulate Barcelona on its La Liga title win

Posted Friday, May 13, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has heaped praise upon rivals Barcelona after the Catalan giants were crowned La Liga champions.

Pep Guardiola's men drew 1-1 with Levante on Wednesday evening which was enough for the club to win its third successive domestic title.

Rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona has been fierce in recent times with the two team's meeting on four occasions within a month. However, Casillas has chosen to put the tension aside momentarily to commend the Catalan club.

"I have to give Barca my congratulations. [To win] Championships are very tough and you have to be good. I congratulate them on my behalf and on Real Madrid's. There is no need for controversy. They were friendly when we won the [Copa del Rey] cup and we are the same now," the keeper told Spanish media.

The Spanish No.1 is teammates with a host of Barcelona players for the national side and wanted to make it clear there is no bad blood between himself and the champions.

"I'm happy for the friends I have there. I get on with all of the Barcelona players who I know. I understand there was controversy after the four Clasicos but all will be forgotten in time," he added.

With second-place confirmed, Madrid will be looking to entertain its away supporters with victory against Villarreal this weekend with Casillas likely to return to the lineup after being rested for the midweek win over Getafe.