This is precisely why Real Madrid brought José Mourinho back.
Florentino Pérez's choice to appoint Mourinho in the summer, following a dismal spell under Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, drew widespread criticism for appearing rooted in nostalgia. Mourinho had last been at the helm of Real some 13 years prior, and his managerial methods have faced considerable scrutiny in recent times.
Yet his knee slide celebration after Kylian Mbappé's second goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Sunday night was precisely the kind of moment Pérez must have had in mind when making that call.
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It was quintessential Mourinho. Real entered the contest as underdogs against a flying Barça side and controlled just 37 percent of possession. But they made their opportunities count.
Mbappé's opener owed a considerable debt to fortune, with Gerard Martin's attempted clearance deflecting off his shin and into the net. Barça drew level through Raphinha before Eduardo Camavinga drove into the penalty area and teed up Mbappé to tap home the match-winning goal in the 87th minute.
The 63-year-old Mourinho unleashed his trademark knee slide along the touchline and, following a courteous handshake with Barça head coach Hansi Flick, delivered the kind of cutting remark he's long been celebrated for.
"I dedicate this win to the Barça fans who came to the hotel and kept singing all day, I couldn't take my nap," Mourinho told Real Madrid TV, via The Mirror. "I didn't nap, but I did beat their team. A big hug to them."
Mourinho has claimed six victories and suffered six defeats in El Clásico during two spells as Real boss, yet he remains unbeaten in the last six encounters, recording four wins and two draws. He thrives on the grandest stages, and Real now trail their rivals by just three points, sitting one behind Atlético Madrid in La Liga.
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"In my view, Real Madrid do not play to win at the Camp Nou, Real Madrid play to win La Liga," Mourinho said. "We could win with luck, but we won with calmness and with all merit," he said. "It's a very strong group. Everyone works very hard. Everyone was ready to win.
"The credit goes to the players. When you win, the credit goes to the players. But when you lose, the blame falls on you. And that's why we see coaches being sacked from their positions every week."
Mbappé grabbed the goals to bring his tally to 14 strikes in 13 appearances across all competitions this season. However, he was well supported, with Jude Bellingham once again impressing in midfield, where Bernardo Silva's tenacity blended seamlessly with the dynamic contributions of Yan Diomandé and Arda Güler.
"I've learned that I have an extraordinary group, with the quality and mindset to play," Mourinho added. "In midfield, having a mix of talents gives us more than just having two players with similar characteristics. This mix of talents gives us balance when defending and quality when we go on the attack."