Brazilian wonderkid Robinho notched a brace to help Real Madrid claim a 4-2 home victory over 10-man Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Skipper Raul and Champions League debutant Javier Balboa were also on the scoresheet for the Primera Liga holders. Luciano Galletti and Julio Cesar scored for Olympiakos. Real are in charge of Group C with seven points, three ahead of second-placed Olympiakos. Werder Bremen, who edged past Lazio 2-1, are third on three points while the Italian side lit at the bottom on two points. The hosts needed two minutes to grab the lead through Raul, who continued his sparkling form. Robinho stole possession from Paraskevas Antzas and released Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose shot was palmed by Olympiakos into the path of Raul. The hitman made no mistake from inside the area. Galletti notched the equalizer five minutes later, finishing off a brilliant individual work by Predrag Djordjevic down the left flank. Djordjevic got the better of Michel Salgado before crossing to Galletti, who shrugged off the onrushing defenders and curled past Ilker Casillas.
Olympiakos received a blow when defender Vassilis Torosidis was handed a straight red card in the 13th minute for bringing down Van Nistelrooy, who was on his way clear on goal. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Olympiakos managed to stun the home crowd when Cesar put the Greeks ahead two minutes after re-start. He connected with Djordjevic's in-swinging free-kick to volley the ball past the hapless Casillas. Robinho drew Real level eight minutes past the hour mark when he was picked out unmarked by Sergio Ramos' cross at the far post before heading past Antonios Nikopolidis. Los Merengues could have restored their lead in the 78th minute when they awarded a penalty. The inspiring Robinho dazzled Cristian Ledesma with several stepovers and was tackled down by him as the referee pointed to the spot. Van Nistelrooy stepped-up but blasted the ball wide over. However, Robinho made amends and scored a precious goal seven minutes from time, smashing into the top corner after being set-up by Dutch prolific striker Van Nistelrooy. Balboa put the icing on the cake with an easy tap-in into an empty net after being fed by the impressive Robinho.
