Majestic Milito cuts through Madrid
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Article summary
Diego Milito scored four goals as Real Zaragoza stunned Real Madrid CF 6-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie at La Romareda.
Article body
Real Madrid CF's hopes of avenging their 2003/04 final defeat by Real Zaragoza were torn to shreds by Diego Milito, who scored four goals in a stunning 6-1 semi-final victory at La Romareda.
Fine fettle
The Argentinian striker scored a hat-trick in less than 20 first-half minutes to set the home team on course for a staggering first-leg victory. Brazilian international Julio Baptista gave the visitors some hope when he reduced the deficit seven minutes before half-time but Zaragoza, who ended FC Barcelona's aspirations in the last round, are proving irrepressible in this competition.
Ewerthon double
Milito completed his four-goal salvo with a header on 55 minutes and his strike partner Ewerthon soon got in on the act to make it 5-1. The Brazilian then completed the rout with a wonderful half-volley seven minutes from time as Zaragoza took a giant stride towards the final of a competition they have won twice in the last five years. RCD Espanyol and RC Deportivo La Coruña meet in the other semi-final in Barcelona on Thursday.
