The home crowd were stunned after 25 minutes when Zenit defender Tomas Hubocan diverted Rafael van der Vaart’s low cross into his own net.

Portuguese forward Danny drew Zenit level six minutes later.

He connected with Andrei Arshavin’s pinpoint cross at the far post to send a diving header past Iker Casillas after being helped by some poor marking from Gabriel Heinze.

Dutch prolific striker Ruud van Nistelrooy restored Real’s advantage in the 31st minute.

Van Nistelrooy, with goal-poaching ability, latched onto a loose ball after Van der Vaart’s initial shot was blocked by a defender to finish clinically with his left foot.

Russia forward Arshavin, who attracted a host of European suitors in the close season, inspired Zenit to a superb attacking display in the second half.

Real sat back to defend their lead. They were lucky to emerge winners.

Arshavin had a low drive denied by the post from inside the area. He almost set up Danny for the equalizer towards the end.

The 27-year-old tricked Heinze and Van Nistelrooy before providing a low cross to Danny, whose shot was blocked by Portuguese defender Pepe.

Real’s second successive victory put them on top of Group H with six points, while pointless Zenit, who lost to Juventus in the group stage opener, lie at the bottom.