Three and easy for Real Zaragoza

Three and easy for Real Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza brought Getafe crashing back down to earth with a comprehensive win over the Madrid-based outfit in the Primera Division.

Getafe had looked highly impressive as they beat Valencia 3-1 on Wednesday night, but Michel's side were given a reality check in this match by a quality Zaragoza outfit at La Romareda.

Carlos Pavon gave the home side the lead after 17 minutes and Abel Aguilar added a second halfway through the first half as the locals took control in the penultimate match of the league's fifth round.

And Aguilar wrapped up a fine victory nine minutes from time to propel Zaragoza back into the top half of the table on their return to the top-flight and condemn Getafe to a third defeat in five.

English winger Jermaine Pennant was left on the bench as Zaragoza coach Marcelino Garcia Toral opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Colombian forward Aguilar playing just behind loan striker Javier Arizemendi through the middle.

Nevertheless, the first chance fell to Getafe as Manu Del Moral crashed a speculative long-range effort just wide of the target after eight minutes.

But Zaragoza were looking the better side and won a series of corners after that.

And from the third of those, Pavon rose majestically to head past Getafe keeper Oscar Ustari and put the home side in front.

Seven minutes later, Zaragoza then went two up. And once again the goal arrived from a corner.

Pavon was involved again, this time flicking on for Aguilar to head past Ustari at the far post and double the locals' lead.

Arizmendi and Jorge Lopez then both sent headers over the bar as Zaragoza continued to win every single ball that was put into the box.

Just before half-time, though, the visitors almost received a lifeline as Roberto Ayala came close to turning the ball into his own net.

Luckily for the veteran Argentinian centre-back, though, his compatriot Juan Pablo Carrizo reacted superbly to make the save.

Juan Albin almost got on the end of Pedro Leon's cross as the visitors sought a way back into the game in the second half.

But Zaragoza rarely looked troubled and came close to a third goal after 64 minutes, when Jorge Lopez fired into the side netting.

Roberto Soldado then headed wide at the other end in a rare Getafe attack.

It was not to be their night, though, and the visitors' misery was compounded with nine minutes remaining, when substitute Ewerthon put Aguilar through with a glorious pass and the Colombian forward finished coolly to bag his second of the night and ensure three more valuable points for Zaragoza.

The promoted side move up to seventh in the table, while Getafe are now 12th.