Harry Kane has revealed Bayern Munich players were eager to bounce back as they thumped Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Saturday night.
Dayot Upamecano opened the scoring for the reigning champions in the fourth minute to set the tone for the contest at the Westfalenstadion.
And Kane then bagged a hat-trick - his second in a row for the club - to consign their rivals to defeat.
For Bayern, it was a much-needed result.
Harry Kane was the star of the show as Bayern Munich responded to midweek defeat with Borussia Dortmund win
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The club were stunned in midweek after being sent crashing out of the DFB-Pokal by minnows FC Saarbrucken.
Kane failed to make it onto the pitch that night, with Thomas Tuchel opting to leave him on the bench.
And his sensational display on Saturday helped Bayern produce the best response.
Now, speaking in the wake of the result, the 30-year-old revealed players were extra-motivated for the match against Dortmund because of what happened in midweek.
He's proud of the way they performed, while also dubbing it a 'special night'.
"Yeah a special night you know," said Kane.
"We knew this was an important game, a big game in our season, especially after midweek we wanted to bounce back with a good reaction and we did that.
"We started the game really well, really strong, got the goals.
"Then second half we knew the chances would be there on the counter-attack.
"Four goals, a clean sheet, we couldn't have asked for more."
Bayern chief Jan-Christian Dreesen also spoke after the game - and was thrilled with their response to their midweek cup exit.
“This was a real statement. Obviously, we were apprehensive going into Der Klassiker," he said.
"It’s a great relief and I’m very happy.
"The team wanted to show a reaction after Wednesday. This is the quality we are talking about.
"The players wanted to win. We are capable of winning big games.
"We made it 1-0 after four minutes – that's sensational. That gives you confidence and lifts you up, and then 2-0 came shortly afterwards and you get another boost.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel added: “I’m super satisfied with the team. Today was top.
"It was a top match and we showed a top performance.
"It was an intense game. We were very focused and clinical.
"We deserved to win and created many chances to score.
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Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel was proud of his side as they cruised to Borussia Dortmund win
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"I’m happy for the team, because we didn't play very well on Wednesday.
"These things happen, but what counts is the reaction. Everyone felt the importance today. It's a huge game in Germany.”
