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Zaragoza demolish Real Madrid 6-1 in Cup semi
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-09 08:41
ZARAGOZA, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Diego Milito smashed in four goals as Real
Zaragoza continued their devastating form in the King's Cup with a 6-1
demolition of Real Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.
Real Zaragoza's
Diego Milito (L) of Argentina celebrates a goal against Real Madrid during
their Spanish King Cup semi-final soccer match in Zaragoza, Spain February
8, 2006. [Reuters] | The inspired Argentine helped
himself to a hat-trick in less than 20 first-half minutes at La Romareda as
Zaragoza inflicted one of the heaviest defeats on a sorry-looking Real Madrid.
Although Real pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 before the break, Milito
scored his fourth 10 minutes after halftime to the delight of the home crowd.
Milito's strike partner Ewerthon also got in on the act when he got his
side's fifth soon after and the Brazilian completed the rout with a wonderful
half volley seven minutes from time.
Zaragoza, who smashed four goals past Betis in 12 first-half minutes in their
4-3 league win at the weekend and beat Barcelona 5-4 on aggregate in the last
round, were left with one foot in the final of a competition they have won twice
in the last five years.
"I'm delighted, it was a fantastic victory," Milito told reporters. "It was a
unique night for me."
Zaragoza coach Victor Munoz was unable to contain his satisfaction at his
team's performance.
"We bordered on perfection out there tonight," he said. "The tie is not over
yet but we've taken a magnificent step towards the final."
The home side took control from the first whistle with the in-form Cani
orchestrating the midfield and stretching the Real defence as he threaded a
series of neat passes through to Milito and Ewerthon.
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