Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros hailed the performance of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas after last night's 3-0 defeat.

"The 3-0 result is too big a punishment for us," said Caparros. "Casillas was their best player. He was the difference at key moments, we didn't take advantage of the chances we created."

Casillas saved a penalty with Real 1-0 ahead and Caparros continued: "We're playing Real Madrid plus Iker Casillas. He is above everyone else.

"He is different. You arrive in his penalty area, controlling the ball, looking certain to score and he appears to say 'Ssshhh'. He is incredible."