Capello's new-look Real aim to restore pride in Europe

MADRID, Sep 7 (Reuters) Four years ago Real Madrid were on top of the world after chalking up their ninth European Cup triumph with their spectacular 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

But Zinedine Zidane's sublime winning goal was the peak of the Galacticos brief reign of success and since then the club has spiralled into an almost uncontrollable decline.

It is now three years since Real won their last trophy and such is the club's desire to get back to winning ways that they have invited arch-pragmatist Fabio Capello back to the Bernabeu.

Capello led Real to the league title in 1997 and guided AC Milan to their brilliant triumph when they crushed Johan Cruyff's Barcelona 4-0 in the final of the 1994 European Cup.

The former Juventus coach has decided to make a bullet-proof defence the foundation of his new-look team.

President Ramon Calderon's election promises to bring in Kaka, Arjen Robben and Cesc Fabregas have been discarded in favour of centre back Fabio Cannavaro and midfield enforcers Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra.

The club's chief attacking reinforcement is Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, brought in from Manchester United to provide competition and support for Ronaldo following concerns about the Brazilian's commitment and fitness.

Jose Antonio Reyes has also arrived on loan from Arsenal, but the Spain forward may find it hard to tie down a regular place in the first team and without newly retired Zidane, Real could face difficulties in the creation zone.

In order to solve the problem the Italian is hoping hecan rehabilitate his former proteges Antonio Cassano and Raul and give more direction to what he has described as David Beckham's ''anarchic'' contribution in midfield.

For the last two years, Real have exited the Champions League in the first knockout round. Capello is determined to avoid a repeat of that and there is little doubt that his new-look team will be a far tougher nut to crack.

They have been drawn in a tricky group with Olympique Lyon, Red Star Belgrade and Dynamo Kiev but should be consistent enough to get through to the knockout rounds.

The key question is will they be able to couple their new-found defensive rigour with the necessary flair to take them further as they search for a 10th European crown.

REUTERS PDS KN1845