Coming off the bench in yesterday's 5-0 win over Xerez, Van Nistelrooy scored his first goal since last October on his return from a serious knee injury but picked up to a knock to his thigh in the process.

The 33-year-old, who was due to have an MRI scan today, told www.realmadrid.com: "I am okay, but I got hurt while scoring.

"I dreamed of this return; to score and provide an assist. I am overwhelmed by the fans' support.

"I will have an MRI and hope it isn't anything serious.

"I worked very hard to return and everything has gone well. Let's see how my quad is holding up.

"We aren't happy with the way we played, but it was a good match. We can improve a lot."

Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini concurred with Van Nistelrooy that his side were flattered by the scoreline.

The visitors, playing in the top flight for the first time in their history this season, suffered a nightmare start on their trip to the Bernabeu as they fell behind in the first minute to a Cristiano Ronaldo strike.

However, it was not until the final 15 minutes when Manuel Pellegrini's side finally managed to see off their plucky opponents, with Ronaldo, Guti, Karim Benzema and Ruud van Nistelrooy giving the scoreline a one-sided look.

Pellegrini told www.realmadrid.com: "Each match is different. We didn't play well as a team, especially in the first 20 minutes. Perhaps we were too confident after the first goal.

"Xerez controlled the ball well. We improved in the second half with more midfielders on the pitch and the goals were a product. What I am not satisfied about is how we treated the ball.

"I am happy because we won 5-0. The goals weren't a coincidence, but we didn't play that well. It's a matter of irregularities at the start of the season, but I am fine seeing how things are turning out.

"We are still improving."

The Madrid fans were not shy in showing their displeasure when things were not going their side's way, with particular vitriol being directed at Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago.

Pellegrini said: "Fans see, feel and express with applause or whistles.

"Today it was Fernando Gago's turn, but he shouldn't be affected because he is good enough to change things around."