James Rodriguez urges fans to back Iker Casillas

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has urged the club's fans to get behind Iker Casillas ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus.

The Madrid skipper was subjected to whistles from the home fans during his side's 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend, with sections of the Bernabeu crowd holding him accountable for both of the visitors' goals.

However, James has insisted that the 33-year-old deserves "respect" for all he has achieved at the club and called on the supporters to be the team's "12th man".

"When you are on the pitch you are totally focused and don't hear the whistles," the Colombian told reporters.

"When one person is whistled then I believe we are all whistled. We should be united and supporting one another. Our fans should be our 12th man.

"Casillas is our captain. He has won a lot of trophies here and you have to respect him for that."

Real Madrid go into tonight's match against Juventus trailing 2-1 after their first-leg defeat in Turin last week.