Real ease to victory over Greeks

Real went top of Champions League Group C as Iván Helguera's strike and a brace from Raúl sealed a 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos.

Real dominated from the start with Zinedine Zidane coming close after 10 minutes, firing over the Panathinaikos goal while Greek keeper Nikopolidis got down to stop a low 30-yard effort from Luis Figo moments later.

But despite all their early pressure, the ball would not seem to go in for Real. Raul came close after 26 minutes, his point-blank diving header produced a superb reflex save from Nikopolidis, who excelled four minutes later - tipping over a curling Figo free-kick from the edge of the box.

The deadlock was finally broken four minutes before half-time, Zidane's sweeping 30-yard centre was chested down and slammed home at the far post by Helguera.

The Greeks came alive in the second half and came close to levelling in the 50th minute when substitute Derek Boateng broke free, only to watch his low drive deflected wide by Iker Casillas' boot.

But the game was all over by the 65th minute when a Roberto Carlos cross was deflected to Raúl, who dived to head the ball into the back of the net to double their lead.

Raul was just as alert six minutes later, when a Figo free-kick from outside the area was palmed onto the post by Nikopolidis.

The Spain striker was first to the rebound, slamming home from six yards to make it 3-0.

Real top Group C with a maximum six points, three points clear of second-placed Sparta Prague who beat Porto 1-0 in Portugal.