Olympic gold medallist Australia came from behind to defeat title holder Spain 4-2 in the Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament here today.

Australia, trailing 1-2 at half-time, pumped in three goals in a breathtaking second-half resurgence to record a second consecutive win in the elite six-nation annual event.

The Kookaburras, who won their maiden Olympic title in Athens last year, trounced Germany 4-1 in Saturday's opening match.

Australia took an early lead in the fifth minute when Jamie Dwyer's stinging shot rebounded off Spanish goalkeeper Francisco Cortes' pads and Travis Brookes pounced on the loose ball to score.

Santiago Freixa, the International Hockey Federation's reigning young player of the year, drew level seven minutes later through a penalty corner and gave Spain the lead in the 26th minute with a superbly crafted goal.

Freixa broke through the Australian defence, dodged past three players and pushed the ball home to the left of the goal.

Australia went onto the attack after the resumption and made it 2-2 when Michael McCann was brought down inside the circle by Spanish defender Andreu Enrich and captain Brent Livermore converted a penalty stroke.

Luke Doerner flicked in a penalty corner in the 50th minute and McCann scored Australia's last goal four minutes before the final whistle. Spain, which had beaten host India 2-1 on Saturday, was confined to three points from two matches.

Asian rivals India and Pakistan clash in the second match today, followed by the game between the Netherlands and Germany.