Real Madrid players said they were disappointed after they slumped to a shocking 6-1 defeat to Real Zaragoza in the King’s Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday, but are hopeful in making a comeback in the second leg next week.

Madrid keeper, Iker Casillas, who said he couldn’t remember the last time he conceded six goals in his net, called on the Whites’ fans to support the team at Santiago Bernabéu next week in order to hit back at Zaragoza.

“We’re calling on the spirit of the Bernabéu to help us make our comeback. We hope the fans come to the game to cheer us on,” Casillas was quoted as saying by the club’s official website.

“Zaragoza had everything going for them…Things didn’t really go our way and we’re to blame, no question.”

“We need to put this game behind us and focus on next week’s second leg,” said the 24-year-old Spaniard.

Real Madrid will need to beat Zaragoza 5-0 next Tuesday to be able to reach the final, a result achieved by the Spanish giants on eight previous occasions in the King’s Cup.

Meanwhile, Julio Baptista, who scored Madrid’s single goal against Zaragoza, admitted the defeat was a heavy blow, but said he believes learning from their mistakes will help them move forward.

“We just need to concentrate on working hard now. We’re all upset. Allowing them to score six goals is hard to swallow, said the Brazilian midfielder.

“It’s not easy to understand how it happened, but we need to learn from this experience and prepare for the second leg”.

The Whites have not suffered such a defeat since they lost to Valencia 6-0 in a cup semi-final in 1999.