Optimism returns to Real after near miss

Real Madrid's hopes of winning their first trophy for three seasons nosedived after losing to Real Zaragoza in an extraordinary King's Cup semi-final.

But the manner of their elimination restored pride and created a new atmosphere of optimism at the Bernabeu ahead of next week's Champions League first knockout round tie against Arsenal.

"The team showed spectacular commitment, enthusiasm and unity," coach Ramon Lopez Caro told reporters after his Madrid side went out 6-5 on aggregate despite winning Tuesday's second leg 4-0.

"We proved we are on the right track."

Madrid faced a seemingly impossible task after being routed 6-1 in the first leg.

However, pre-match talk about the club's famous comeback wins of the past inspired the players and the fans to believe the mission could be accomplished.

Madrid made a whirlwind start, racing into a 3-0 lead inside 10 minutes after spectacular goals from Brazilian trio Cicinho, Robinho and Ronaldo.

The capacity crowd was brought to its feet 16 minutes into the second half when another Brazilian, Roberto Carlos, made it 4-0, leaving the home side needing one more goal to advance. But it never came and nervy Zaragoza hung on to clinch a place in their third Cup final in six seasons.

Massive pressure

"Few teams are capable of doing what we did and scoring three goals in 10 minutes," said Roberto Carlos. "Zaragoza found out what it means to play at the Bernabeu and were scared.

"There was a great atmosphere out there. The fans have to understand we never set out to lose a game and that all the players are giving everything for the club."

If there were no complaints about Madrid's performance on Tuesday, many fans will have been left wondering why the team had not shown similar commitment, aggression and determination in previous matches.

Club president Florentino Perez believes the crushing defeat in the first leg could have marked a turning point in the season.

"Some people tried to humiliate us after the 6-1 defeat rather than see it as an accident," he told the club's website.

"But the team has picked itself up, shown its pride and tenacity and shown why the fans believe in us.

"I can't remember witnessing such a magic and heroic night for a long time."

Madrid, seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona in the Primera Liga, play struggling Alaves on Saturday before hosting Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday.