 In 1996, Aguilera returned to his first team, staying with them even after a 2000 relegation and again putting up strong numbers in two seasons in Segunda División, featuring in 78 games and scoring 14 goals combined.In 2003–04, he even accepted to take a pay cut to remain with the club.His form during his return led to a selection for the Spain national team, his debut coming on 24 September 1997 against Slovakia in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier.