Despite Olympiacos being reduced to 10 men after Vassilis Torosidis' 12th-minute dismissal, the Greek champions looked set to record a famous upset at the Bernabeu as they led 2-1 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

But Robinho turned the game on its head in a remarkable spell which saw him score twice, set up Javier Balboa for Real's fourth in injury-time and win a 78th-minute penalty that Ruud van Nistelrooy blazed over the bar.

For a player who was omitted for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Espanyol - Real's first loss of the season - after returning late from international duty, it was a fine response, but the twinkle-toed winger refused to take all the plaudits.

"I must highlight the work of the entire team, not only my two goals," he said.

"I am very happy for the victory, it was a difficult game, and above all for my contribution tonight.

"Whenever I play in the Real Madrid shirt, I try to give my best."

Real are now three points clear of second-placed Olympiacos in Group C, with Werder Bremen a point further back on three and Lazio on two.

"I am very proud because we have obtained the three points, which makes us leaders. I am very happy," added Robinho.

"The most positive thing is that we have had patience, but now we must look ahead."

Real coach Bernd Schuster said of the Brazilian: "We just knew how to handle Robinho, and we hope he keeps helping us win matches.

"Robinho plays for Real Madrid, and that's how we have to deal with it. In order for him to be successful, we need for him to feel like an important player for this club. We also played him in a position that doesn't come easy, but his first goal got him going."

Looking ahead to Real's final three group games, Schuster added: "We may be first, but we need to win at least one more match.

"Now that Werder Bremen have won, we're going to fight for the top spot with them and Olympiacos. Both are capable of finishing second as long as we're first."