Luka Modric silenced his Real Madrid teammates in emphatic fashion after they mocked him miscontrolling the ball.
Real host Barcelona in their first El Clasico of the season on Sunday, with both sides undefeated and occupying the top two positions in La Liga after accruing 22 points from their first eight games.
Following on from the last-gasp Champions League draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, achieved by an equaliser from Antonio Rudiger that secured Real's qualification to the round of 16, Los Blancos have been working hard in training for the crunch clash.
The official Real Twitter account posted a video of players taking part in a shooting drill, where Modric went from being rinsed to being applauded just seconds apart.
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When the ball was fizzed into him, Modric's touch was unusually sloppy and it went away from him.
That prompted gasps and laughter from his colleagues but they immediately changed their tune.
Modric recovered spectacularly and after a couple of kicks up, produced an outrageous volley on the turn.
The ball nestled into the top corner, with Andrey Lunin in goal having absolutely no chance with the incredible effort.
Modric's strike was met with loud cheers and he was lifted up by Rodrygo Goes in celebration.
Real fans compared Modric, now 37, to Benjamin Button, also branding him "Mago" and a "crack" - which basically means an outstanding player.
The former Spurs midfielder's contract was due to expire at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer but he penned a new extension and continues to do the business.
He's even received plenty of appreciation from opposition supporters, including getting a standing ovation from Celtic fans for his showing at Parkhead in what was his 100th Champions League appearance.
Carlo Ancelotti and Real will need their midfield metronome on top form on Sunday if they are to get the better of Barca.
Topics: Luka Modric, Barcelona, Real Madrid, El Clasico
Josh Lawless