Real Madrid's Stunning One-Touch Counter Attack Is Footballing Perfection

In 12 perfect passes, Real went from one end to the other in devastating fashion to go 1-0 up at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As well as Van Nistelrooy, who produced an outstanding volleyed finish at the far post, Michel Salgado, Mahamadou Diarra, Gonzalo Higuain, Robinho, Fernando Gago and Miguel Torres were all heavily involved.

Iker Casillas had passed the ball out from a goal kick and Los Blancos were enjoying a steady spell of possession.

But when Salgado put a ball into the channel for Van Nistelrooy to chest downwards, that's where the one-touch magic commenced.

Higuain and Diarra played a one-two, the former then shifting it on to Robinho, who produced a lovely first-time flick for Gago.

The ball then ended up wide with the advancing Torres and his cross was sent to the far post where Van Nistelrooy was waiting.

His technique was utterly outrageous and it was a strike worthy to accompany such a fine team move.

There's a birds-eye view of the goal and it makes it look even better. Van Nistelrooy wheeled away in euphoria as Madridstas flew out of their seats in the stands.

Former Real striker Fernando Morientes equalised after half-time for visitors Valencia but Sergio Ramos got on the end of a David Beckham assist to score the winner in the 73rd minute.

Van Nistelrooy hit 33 goals in all competitions in his first season for Real, who won La Liga ahead of Barcelona courtesy of their superior head-to-head record after the two were tied on points.