'Real' exciting win

Robinho strikes twice as Real Madrid win 4-2 over Olympiakos Piraues

MADRID: Brazil forward Robinho struck twice in a virtuoso second-half display to help Real Madrid to a 4-2 victory over 10-man Olympiakos in an action-packed Champions League game at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. 

Robinho hit the headlines for the wrong reasons last week, arriving back in Spain late from international duty following a celebration party after Brazil’s 5-0 win over Ecuador.

But he stole the show against Olympiakos when he headed an equaliser with Real trailing 2-1, engineered a penalty, scored a fine curler and then provided an assist for their final goal.

The win left the nine-times European champions top of Group C with seven points from three games, three clear of Olympiakos and four ahead of Werder Bremen, who beat Lazio 2-1. 

The Greek side had won 3-1 at Werder last time out for their first away win in 32 Champions League games on the road but they could hardly have got off to a worse start at the Bernabeu.

Robinho dashed into the Olympiakos half, slipped a sharp pass to Ruud Van Nistelrooy and, after the Dutchman’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, Raul was on hand to steer into the net and take his Champions League tally to 58.

It was Robinho, though, who had the last word, completing an outstanding display.