Van Nistelrooy: Real Madrid showing big improvement

Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed coach Bernd Schuster's comparison of Real Madrid with tennis star Roger Federer.

Schuster caused controversy with his claims, but Van Nistelrooy, after scoring a brace in Real's 5-1 trouncing of Valencia last night, beamed: "Last season we won here with a lot of luck. This time we have done it with a lot of quality."

"This is the top level at which we've aspired to and I agree with Schuster and his comparison with Federer. I am delighted with my beginning this season."

Real president Ramon Calderon also declared: "We all can see the improvement."

"Last season we battled to win here, this time we gave an exhibition. Clearly the team has changed for the better."