Zaragoza out to master Madrid

Twelve years ago Real Zaragoza did not have to look up at their similarly regally-monikered rivals Real Madrid CF. While Madrid had not taken a European title since the 1980s, Zaragoza were on their way to lifting the 1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup having won the Copa del Rey and finished third in the league, above Madrid, the previous season.

Diversion
Since then Madrid have won the UEFA Champions League three times and taken four Spanish titles - starting in 1994/95 - while Zaragoza have not finished above the capital side once, nor in the top three. In addition they were relegated for the first time in 2001/02, though returned the following season. But if Zaragoza can win at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday they will move ahead of third-placed Madrid, with genuine hopes of their highest finish since those mid-90 glory days.

Changes
Zaragoza's fortunes took a turn for the better last summer when president Alfonso Soláns sold the club after a decade in charge to businessman Agapito Iglesias. The new owner appointed Víctor Fernández as coach, reviving memories of better days. Fernández started off his coaching career as Radomir Antic's assistant in 1988, took the helm three years later and oversaw the 1990s success in a seven-season stay.

New arrivals
There were also changes on the pitch. Although playmaker Sávio Bortolini returned to Brazil and captain Cani signed for Villarreal CF, Pablo Aimar joined from Valencia CF to spearhead the Zaragoza lineup along with fellow new additions Andrés D'Alessandro, Juanfran García and Sergio Fernández. Zaragoza already have 30 goals - only 16 less than their total in finishing eleventh last term - and Diego Milito is within three of his 2005/06 tally of 13, just two behind the Primera División's leading scorer Frédéric Kanouté.

Madrid concern
While Zaragoza's confidence is high, Madrid are having a turbulent time and need to win to stay in touch with Sevilla FC. The memory of last season's 6-1 Copa del Rey loss at Zaragoza is still fresh, and Thursday's 0-0 cup draw with Real Betis Balompié made it three games without a goal for the Merengues.

Capello warning
Though new signings Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuaín have quickly broken into the team, last week's 2-0 defeat by RC Deportivo La Coruña has sparked rumour of a clear-out by Fabio Capello with David Beckham already announcing his departure and Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo the subject of speculation. Meanwhile, new defender Marcelo is out for six weeks after spraining his ankle. "When I arrived I said we would have to fight for the shirt and I didn't see that in [recent] games," Capello said. "We are going to try some things, use some different players and rest others."