Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said that Saturday afternoon's 4-0 La Liga derbi hammering of neighbours Real Madrid was a result of his players' "brilliant" execution of his plans.
The Spanish capital's poorer relations Atletico dominated the match to gain their first La Liga derbi win at the Estadio Calderon of the 21st century, and complete a first double over their richer rivals for many decades.
Los Colchoneros were two up inside 18 minutes through Tiago and Saul Niguez, with second half strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic giving the final scoreline a look which reflected the game's proceedings -- as Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted afterwards.
Speaking at his postmatch news conference, the Atletico boss said his pregame tactical plan had worked to perfection.
"In a game like this we were able to play the game we wanted out on the pitch," Simeone said. "And it went very well. Our ability to interpret the plan, and then execute it, was brilliant.
"To attack down the right with Arda Turan, Griezmann and Juanfran, to defend well and use Gabi and Tiago to cover Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. It came out well."
Simeone then said that the credit for the performance had to go to the players, as the real work was in the players being able to implement his plans in the heat of battle.
"All us coaches have many ideas," he said. "It is about being able to communicate them, and then the group being able to execute it. This group interprets very well what we want, and then goes out and does it. Without them it would be impossible."
After a buildup to the game which included some typical warnings from Blancos fans and pundits about Atletico's aggressive style of play, Simeone accepted a reporter's suggestion that his team had actually outplayed their opponents with the football.
"We looked for a team which would combine more, to move the ball quickly," he said. "It was not easy to leave out some players today, who had done well at Eibar. But first comes the team. And today I understood we needed to play, to pass the ball. And it came out pretty well for us."
The Argentine would not be drawn on whether Madrid fielding Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo was actually a bonus for his hard-working side, but did say that his gameplan had involved dominating the midfield through weight of numbers.
"It would not be fair for me to judge the opponent," Simeone said. "We knew the game we wanted to play, and it came out as we had trained and planned for. We play always in the same way, and try and be stronger in the middle. With more players in that area, it is logical. We are able to win those second balls well, and ensure that they could not break."
After sending his players out from their dressing-room 15 minutes after the final whistle to receive more applause from the still ecstatic Calderon crowd, Simeone said the afternoon as a whole had gone pretty well.
"I just appreciate the afternoon the players were able to put in," he said. "It went very well, they showed their commitment. The fans appreciate that. It was very nice to hear the songs for my players. That happens at very few grounds. I hope we can continue on this line."
The boss of the reigning La Liga champions however refused to accept that his team, who are now within four points of table-toppers Madrid, must now be seen as title challengers.
"We have a line to follow, to compete from game to game," he said. "We know no other way. To think of anything else would not be good for us. It is very difficult to keep the same run going.
"But the group has continued, never broken, over more than three years now. It is an impressive group, never happy with what they have, keeps demanding more. They train as they play. That shows on the pitch."
Simeone also had some praise for youngster Saul, who within eight minutes of replacing hamstrung Koke had scored his side's second goal with a superb bicycle kick.
The 20-year-old was linked with a January move away from Atletico due to frustration over lack of playing time, but Simeone added: "The injury to Koke was bad as he is a very important player for us, but Saul also did very, very well. Saul is a very important kid for the future of Atletico Madrid.
"I have told him that personally many times. I told the club too, and he stayed. He has the rebel streak which will be good for him and us, but he must have patience. He is on the right path."