Ruud van Nistelrooy was delighted to net his winner for Real Madrid in last night's 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.

"Athletic Bilbao were a very well organised and very difficult opponent," said the Dutchman, "which makes this victory even more important.

"We were all united and worked very hard for one another."

Van Nistelrooy also revealed he's very close to "an agreement" over a new contract extension at Real.

Real coach Bernd Schuster, meanwhile, assured fans that Van Nistelrooy will be available for Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash with Lazio after substituting him late on.