Marc Casado shrugs off Espanyol boos as Barcelona loanee returns for Deportivo

Deportivo La Coruna earned a point from a closely fought draw away to Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, but the evening’s most significant development for the visitors was the return of Barcelona loanee Marc Casado after several weeks out with injury.

Casado had been forced to halt his progress after suffering an injury that threatened to keep him sidelined for several months. However, his recovery went more quickly than expected and he was brought on in the 71st minute, replacing Mario Soriano.

His appearance was met by loud jeers from the Espanyol supporters, who had not forgotten Casado’s previous association with Barcelona or his strong feelings towards the Catalan club.

Speaking after the match, Casado was asked about the hostile reception. He said: “I also remember the celebrations with Barcelona. It is normal that they hold that against me.”

The midfielder told DAZN: “I was already expecting them to receive me this way here. Nothing surprised me. I already knew what kind of stadium I would be playing in and I have no problem with it.

“The most important thing is that I have returned to football. The recovery process has gone well.”

His return was one of the main talking points of the match for Deportivo, giving Casado the opportunity to regain his match sharpness after his absence. His late introduction also represented another step in his recovery.

Casado was also asked about some of the actions involving Espanyol players during the game, although he played down their significance.

“These are things that happen on the pitch,” he said. “The opposing players also know which player is coming back from injury, and they know where the injury is.

“It is an attempt to exploit that point with a certain amount of cunning, but it ends there.”