An emotional Iker Casillas was forced off injured against Galatasaray. (wikimedia commons)

Only minutes into the game Casillas appeared to be clipped by Madrid's own Sergio Ramos while collecting a high, uncontested cross into the area. A miscommunication caused the Madrid player to go up in an attempt to clear the ball at the same time Casillas rose to collect it. 

After winning the ball and playing a few more minutes the Spanish keeper visibly grimaced as Madrid's medical staff came out on the field to check on him. After attempting some first-aid by applying a pressure wrap to his abdomen the decision was made to replace Casillas with Diego Lopez, the man who until today had been Madrid's first choice keeper since Casillas had injured his hand last winter. 

On his way off the field Casillas was clearly disappointed, and several players from both Real and Galatasaray put their arms around him in an attempt to cheer him up. 

As Madrid and Spain's number one keeper for many years, and widely being considered the best goalie in the game today, it must have taken Casillas some time to get used to sitting on the bench as Lopez played exceedingly well week after week. 

Once Casillas recovered from his injury many expected him to supplant Lopez in Madrid's goal, but Madrid's then manager Jose Mourhino chose to stick with Lopez, upsetting many in Spain's capital who felt that as the bastion of Real Madrid over much of the past decade, Casillas deserved a chance to win back his spot. 

SEE MORE: UEFA Champions League: Group B Preview

So it is quite likely that Casillas took the field today with as much anticipation and excitement as he has had for a champions league group game in a long time. 

Thus even for neutrals it was likely a touching moment as a openly distraught Casillas came off unexpectedly after playing his first minutes for Madrid in months. 

The extent of his injuries at this point are unknown, but with any luck it will be determined as a minor injury and we should hope that soon he will be back on the field for Madrid and for Spain, if only because his spectacular play and unbelievable saves are a joy to behold.

Reach Executive Producer Christopher Coppock by email.